Hambantota International Port posts eightfold surge in container volumes in 2025

Hambantota International Port (HIP) posted a sharp turnaround in 2025, recording a significant jump in throughput across containers, RoRo and bulk cargo, underlining its fast-growing role in regional maritime trade.

Container volumes rose more than eightfold year-on-year to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, compared with 53,170 TEUs handled in 2024. Containerised cargo tonnage climbed in tandem, increasing from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 million metric tonnes, reflecting the port’s rapid transition into a meaningful container gateway within a short span.

Overall cargo handled by HIP reached 8.24 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes a year earlier. The growth was driven by strong performances in containers, RoRo and bulk cargo, even as global trade remained affected by supply chain realignments, congestion at major hubs and rising operating costs.

To support rising volumes, HIP is pressing ahead with its second phase of development, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The expansion will lift annual container handling capacity to around 2 million TEUs through the addition of four dedicated container berths and new equipment, including six quay cranes and sixteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes.

RoRo operations also recorded healthy gains despite a challenging global automotive market. The port handled 726,153 RoRo units in 2025, up from 579,362 units in 2024, while RoRo cargo tonnage increased 25 per cent year-on-year to 965,783 metric tonnes, supported by consistent automotive flows and project cargo.

Bulk and breakbulk cargo volumes strengthened further, rising 32 per cent to 1.18 million metric tonnes, reinforcing HIP’s role in supporting industrial activity, infrastructure projects and more diversified supply chains. Oil and gas cargo remained largely stable at 661,131 metric tonnes amid softer global energy market conditions.

In a related development, Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced in September the launch of a new intermodal service in Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening inland connectivity and enhancing logistics options for cargo moving through the country’s ports.