Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port (HIP) has enhanced its operational capabilities to accommodate the surge in global shipping traffic that has been redirected due to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran.
The port has increased its container yard capacity by 30% and has also doubled the capacity of its Roll-On/Roll-Off yard. Wilson Qu, the Chief Executive Officer of Hambantota International Port, commented, “We are currently observing a significant transformation in global shipping dynamics. At HIP, our efforts have been directed towards enhancing our capacity and operational flexibility to effectively adapt to these changes.”
Yard utilization at HIP has reached unprecedented levels, driven by a rise in vehicle transshipment and container traffic. According to a statement from HIP, “To support the increased volume, we have swiftly expanded yard space across both cargo categories, allowing us to manage greater throughput while ensuring operational efficiency and reducing congestion.”
As the conflict in West Asia persists, HIP’s role in global logistics and trade is becoming increasingly significant. Its strategic location, just 10 nautical miles from the primary East-West shipping corridor, enables vessels to divert with minimal disruptions to their schedules.
