Hambantota Port Sets Stage for 2 Million TEU Capacity

COLOMBO (News 1st); Hambantota International Port (HIP) has closed 2025 on a historic high, defying global headwinds to post a staggering 175% year-on-year growth in total cargo volumes—a feat that positions the port as one of Asia’s fastest-rising maritime hubs.

HIP handled 8.24 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes in 2024, despite what industry analysts have called one of the most turbulent years for global shipping. The surge was powered by sharp gains across container, RORO, and bulk cargo segments, amid volatile trade flows, supply chain realignments, and rising operating costs worldwide.

The most dramatic leap came in container traffic. HIP’s container volumes skyrocketed from 53,170 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while containerised cargo tonnage soared from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 million metric tonnes—a transformation that catapults HIP into the league of major container gateways in just one year.

Looking ahead, HIP is set to amplify its capacity further. The second phase of development, scheduled for completion by end-2026, will boost annual container handling capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs. This expansion includes four dedicated container berths, six quay cranes (QCs), and sixteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTCs)—a clear signal of HIP’s ambition to become a regional logistics powerhouse.

RORO operations also delivered robust growth, defying a sluggish global automotive market. HIP processed 726,153 RORO units in 2025, up from 579,362 units in 2024, with tonnage climbing 25% year-on-year to 965,783 metric tonnes, driven by steady automotive and project cargo demand.

Bulk and break bulk cargo volumes rose 32% to 1.18 million metric tonnes, reinforcing HIP’s role in supporting industrial activity and infrastructure development. Oil and gas volumes held steady at 661,131 metric tonnes, reflecting softer global energy conditions.

Globally, 2025 was marked by congestion, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting trade patterns. HIP’s results underscore a broader industry pivot toward cargo diversification, containerisation, and operational resilience—hallmarks of future-ready ports.