Hambantota International Port crosses 1 million TEUs as it builds towards 2 million TEU capacity

Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since new quay cranes were commissioned in 2025, as the port moves ahead with investments to increase annual handling capacity to two million TEUs.

HIP handled 428,036 TEUs in 2025 and a further 574,196 TEUs during 2026 so far, taking cumulative throughput over the two-year period to 1,002,232 TEUs, according to the port.

Container volumes and operational records

Wilson Qu, Chief Executive Officer of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), said the milestone reflected customer confidence in the port. He attributed the growth to engagement with shipping lines, operational reliability and the ability to respond to changing customer requirements.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), HIP’s main container customer, has contributed significantly to the port’s volume growth and operational performance.

In April, MSC Marie Leslie set a single-vessel record at Hambantota with 7,968 container moves, equivalent to 13,260 TEUs. The vessel surpassed records previously established by MSC Ilenia and MSC Ruby in March.

In June, HIP recorded its highest monthly container throughput of 80,325 TEUs, amid disruption and uncertainty across major global trade routes.

US$108 million equipment expansion

HIP is investing in additional berth capacity, yard space, reefer facilities and container-handling equipment as part of its expansion programme.

A key component is a US$108 million investment in six new quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The equipment is expected to be commissioned by February 2027.

The additional equipment will increase ship-to-shore and yard-handling capacity, support faster vessel turnaround and enable the use of a further 1,300 metres of berth space. The port’s total container quay length will increase to nearly two kilometres, while container yard capacity is expected to rise by 30%.

Building towards 2 million TEUs

Tommy Yang, Chief Operations Officer of HIP, said the one-million-TEU milestone marked a new stage in the port’s container business. He said the investment strategy is focused on developing capacity ahead of demand while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

HIP said the ongoing upgrades are intended to provide the capacity required to reach its long-term target of handling two million TEUs annually and strengthen its position as a regional container gateway.