Bunkering services begin at Hambantota Port

COLOMBO (News1st): Bunkering services at the 1.5 billion dollar worth Hambantota International Port (HIP) began on Friday after an oil tanker berthed at the port to discharge fuel. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka on its Twitter handle said Liberian oil tanker 'Melody', became the first vessel of its kind, to arrive at the Hambantota Port. "HIP made its first step towards lifting the port an important bunkering hub in South Asia," the tweet read. Details published on the website of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority show that the port is equipped with eight tanks holding a total capacity of 51,000 cubic metres for bunkering services. Hong Kong based China Merchants Port Holdings holds a 70 percent stake in a joint venture with Sri Lanka Ports Authority, in managing the port.

Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed its first oil tanker "Melody" today, which berthed at the port to discharge fuel to commence much-awaited bunkering services.

HIP made its first step towards lifting the port an important bunkering hub in South Asia. HD Videoclip? pic.twitter.com/9HbG976L9c — Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) April 2, 2020