Hambantota International Port surpasses one million TEU milestone
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since new quay cranes were introduced in 2025.
According to Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), the port handled 428,036 TEUs in 2025 and a further 574,196 TEUs in 2026 so far, bringing the combined total to 1,002,232 TEUs.
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu said the milestone reflects growing confidence among shipping customers and the port’s expanding role as a regional container hub.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has been a key partner behind the growth. In April 2026, HIP recorded its highest single-vessel handling performance when the MSC Marie Leslie completed 7,968 container moves, equivalent to 13,260 TEUs, during one port call.
The port also achieved a record monthly throughput of 80,325 TEUs in June 2026.
HIP is now preparing for its next stage of expansion, with an annual target of two million TEUs.
A US$108 million investment will add six new quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The equipment is expected to be operational by February 2027.
The expansion will add around 1,300 metres of additional berth capacity, taking HIP’s total container quay length to nearly two kilometres. Container yard capacity will also increase by 30 per cent, along with improved refrigerated container facilities.
HIP Chief Operations Officer Tommy Yang said the investment will help the port handle larger vessels, improve turnaround times and meet rising demand as container operations continue to expand.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
Source : Newswire
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