Hambantota Port Cargo Volumes Soar 151%

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cargo throughput at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) has recorded a remarkable 151% year-on-year increase, reaching 6.03 million metric tons by the end of September 2025, compared to 2.39 million metric tons during the same period last year.

This significant growth comes despite operational pressures following the lifting of the ban on local vehicle imports, which led to increased congestion and clearance delays. 

In response, HIP’s Operations Department implemented a series of strategic interventions, including optimized yard allocation, rebalanced container flows, and revised stacking strategies to maximize capacity while maintaining safety and efficiency.

To further support these efforts, the port increased manpower, expanded yard space, and invested in new infrastructure. These measures ensured uninterrupted vessel handling and sustained productivity levels.

HIP’s growth trajectory is also being driven by strategic investments and service diversification. 

In late 2024, the port invested USD 41 million in new cranes, boosting its container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually.

Additionally, the port has expanded its bunkering and energy services, with notable gains in LPG throughput and bunker volumes.

Vehicle transshipment has also seen a 26% year-on-year increase, reinforcing HIP’s emergence as a comprehensive multipurpose maritime hub in the region.