Category: Shipping and Transport
HIPG and Al-Futtaim Logistics explore closer cooperation to support Gulf vehicle supply chains
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Al-Futtaim Logistics have discussed opportunities to expand their existing business relationship, against a backdrop of Middle East shipping disruption that has highlighted Hambantota’s role as an alternative transhipment gateway for vehicles destined for Gulf markets. The discussions took place during a courtesy visit to Hambantota International Port (HIP) by […]
HIPG sees stronger opportunities as container shipping’s return to Suez gathers pace
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has welcomed the prospect of a sustained return of container shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, saying the recovery of the main East–West shipping corridor could strengthen Hambantota’s commercial position as it prepares to increase annual container handling capacity to two million TEUs in the first quarter of […]
China Merchants Port, Access Engineering & Sri Lanka Ports Authority Pull the Plug on South Asia Logistics Hub
China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited has officially terminated the South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub project in Sri Lanka following a mutual agreement among all project partners. According to a company announcement released on October 15, 2026, the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FCGL, alongside Access Engineering and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, signed a settlement […]
United States Announces $17 Million Investment to Modernize Port of Colombo to Reduce Shipping Costs
The United States today announced a $17 million investment to digitize operations at the Port of Colombo, strengthening one of South Asia’s busiest and most strategic maritime trade hubs. In partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), the United States will introduce new digital systems to streamline port operations, using American technology to help […]
Hambantota International Port delivers 167,569 vehicles across 2025 and 2026 reporting periods
Hambantota International Port (HIP) delivered 167,569 vehicles across the March–December 2025 period and up to September 2026, with Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) supporting vehicle importers through increased demand and disruptions affecting vehicle movements. Of this total, 86,389 vehicles were delivered between March and December 2025, comprising 30,809 brand new vehicles and 55,580 used vehicles. […]
Government Awards Rs. 1.07 Billion Contract to Upgrade Kandy-Jaffna Road Section
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a Rs. 1.07 billion contract to M/s Tudawe Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. for the widening and improvement of a critical stretch along the Kandy-Jaffna (A009) road. The infrastructure project forms part of the national highway expansion and improvement program, targeting the road section from kilometer 58+240 […]
Sri Lanka Outlines Strategic Development Plans for Colombo Port East and West Terminals
Sri Lanka is preparing to revamp its maritime infrastructure by bringing in international shipping lines for terminal operations and advancing major expansion projects at the Port of Colombo, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced during the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026. Addressing the forum, President Dissanayake highlighted that while the state will retain ownership […]
HIP Crosses One Million TEU Milestone; Advances Capacity Expansion Towards Two Million TEUs
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since the commissioning of new quay cranes in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the rapid growth of its container operations. The port handled 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while throughput reached 574,196 TEUs in 2026 year-to-date, bringing the combined volume to 1,002,232 […]
HIP Hosts National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop led by MEPA
Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently hosted the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 representatives from key public and private sector organizations to strengthen the district’s preparedness for marine oil spill incidents. Conducted by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in line with Sri Lanka’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the programme […]
NYK’s new-generation RoRo vessel AZALEA LEADER makes maiden call at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota, Sri Lanka, August 2026: NYK’s Azalea Leader, a new-generation LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), made its maiden call at Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently, marking another significant development in the port’s growing role as a regional automotive transhipment gateway. Built in 2026 and sailing under the Liberian flag, the nearly 200-metre […]
Cabinet Approves Rs. 1 Bn Funding Package for Lanka Metro Transit
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a total funding allocation of Rs. 1,067.5 million for Lanka Metro Transit (Private) Limited, comprising Rs. 800 million in equity capital for infrastructure development and an additional Rs. 267.5 million for operational requirements in 2027. Submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, the proposal supports the […]
PickMe Launches Colombo Connect as First Flagship Destination Under New PickMe Explore Platform
Lotus Tower becomes the first destination connected to a city-wide digital ecosystem linking Colombo’s attractions, culture, entertainment and commerce. PickMe yesterday launched Colombo Connect, the first city-wide destination to be introduced under its newly unveiled PickMe Explore platform, a national digital ecosystem designed to connect attractions, experiences, events and communities through a single technology platform. […]