Category: Shipping and Transport
CICT Achieves Record Throughput with MSC INGY Call
Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has recorded its highest-ever single-vessel performance, handling 10,407 container moves, equivalent to 15,113 TEUs, during the recent call of MSC INGY, marking a new operational milestone for the terminal. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), represents one of the larger container ships calling at Colombo, reflecting the terminal’s […]
HIP Sets New Container Throughput Record with MSC Vessel
Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully handled container vessel MSC Marie Leslie, marking one of its highest-volume vessel calls to date. The achievement further strengthens the port’s position as an emerging hub for containerised cargo in the region. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was berthed at HIP from 11 to 15 April 2026. […]
HIP Expands Capacity as Middle East Crisis Drives Surge in Shipping Volumes
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has significantly expanded its operational capacity in response to a sharp surge in global shipping volumes triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, reinforcing its position as a key alternative hub along the East–West shipping corridor. The port has doubled its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard capacity and increased its container […]
EDB and CPC Meets Sri Lankan Exporters on Fuel Distribution
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently convened a high-level meeting between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and a broad cross-section of Sri Lanka’s export industry to discuss the current fuel distribution mechanism and its impact on the export sector. Held at the CPC Head Office, the meeting was convened at the initiative of […]
Hambantota Intl Port Invests USD 108 Mn in New Cranes; Expands Container Terminal Capacity To 2 Mn TEU
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has signed an agreement to invest USD 108 million in new container handling equipment, marking a major expansion of its container terminal capacity and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as an emerging logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. The agreement, signed at a ceremony held at the Hilton Colombo on March […]
Iran Pledges Oil Support to Sri Lanka as Colombo Seeks Alternative Supplies
The Ambassador of Iran to Sri Lanka today reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to support Colombo with energy supplies, even as Sri Lanka turns to other markets amid ongoing global tensions and sanctions-related constraints. At a press briefing, the ambassador was asked whether Iran would step in to assist Sri Lanka in the event of an oil […]
Uber and PickMe urge Government to allocate higher fuel quotas
The country’s leading app-based platforms, Uber and PickMe, have urged the government for support to keep Sri Lanka moving in light of the latest fuel constraints. Highlighting the critical role played by ride-hailing and delivery platforms in helping people access transport, food and essential services, the platforms have jointly asked for higher fuel quotas for […]
Sri Lanka Reintroduces Fuel Rationing via QR Amid Supply Disruptions
The Ministry of Energy has announced the immediate reintroduction of the National Fuel Pass (QR code) system, effective from 6:00 AM on March 15, 2026. The decision follows a surge in domestic demand and ongoing disruptions to Middle Eastern supply routes caused by regional conflict. Government officials stated the move is necessary to manage existing […]
PickMe calls for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services
PickMe has called for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services during rationing periods, arguing that shared mobility maximises scarce resources, sustains daily economic activity, and protects driver livelihoods. Sri Lanka faces renewed global uncertainty over energy supplies. While not a repeat of the recent fuel crisis, the situation highlights the need for efficient […]
HIP Expands RoRo Capacity with New Yard, Strengthening Position on East–West Trade Lane
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has commissioned a new six-hectare Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard as part of Stage I of Phase II of its RoRo yard expansion programme, marking a significant step in the port’s long-term automotive transhipment strategy. The newly completed yard increases vehicle parking capacity to 4,500 units per terminal space, easing pressure on existing […]
AIDAdiva Makes Maiden Call at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed the cruise vessel AIDAdiva on 12 February 2026, marking the ship’s first call at the southern port and the second visit by AIDA Cruises to Hambantota. The 251.89-metre, Italian-flagged vessel, built in 2007 and registered in Genoa, arrived from Thailand carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and 620 crew. The majority of […]
Port City Colombo Moves Into Active Development as Its First Residential Project Breaks Ground
Sri Lanka’s most ambitious urban development project reached a critical execution milestone, as construction officially commenced on the first residential development within Port City Colombo. The milestone marks the transition of the country’s flagship Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from regulatory readiness to active private-sector delivery. The project, Bay One Residences Colombo, is being developed by […]