Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port diversifies its bulk cargo business handling first shipment for the cement industry
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka’s southern coast has reportedly handled its first shipment for the cement industry with the port now diversifying into the bulk cargo business.
The handling of the shipment for the cement industry is expected to enable manufacturers to enjoy economies of scale of using larger vessels.
A statement to the media has noted that the bulk carrier, Ithaca Patience, docked at Hambantota recently to discharge 27,150MT of slag cargo, an additive used in the manufacture of cement.
“The operation was successfully completed with high levels of efficiency, peaking at 11,000 MT on some days,” the statement has said.
Slag cargo was usually discharged off smaller vessels in the past at Galle harbour, which lacks the draught clearance or depth for larger bulk vessels.
“The advantage of bringing in bigger ships provides economy of scale, and the efficiency with high productivity levels has made Hambantota Port the preferred option for the cement industry operating in the south,” Tissa Wickramasinghe, chief operating officer of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has been quoted as saying in the media.
“In addition, prior to handling this cargo, we have complied with all regulatory environmental requirements and precautions as recommended by the Central Environment Authority.”
Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Director of Procurement and Logistics, INSEE Cement, the consignee of the slag cargo, has reportedly said that he would be looking at monthly or even bi-monthly shipments to HIP to cater to the recently expanded INSEE cement manufacturing capacity in the island’s south.
“This whole operation was cost effective and convenient.”
INSEE had been operating through the Colombo, Trincomalee and Galle ports previously.
The Hambantota Port has the necessary infrastructure to provide services such as container handling, general cargo, vehicles, passengers, oil, bulk terminal, gas and project cargo.
OSL take:
The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka is currently on a development path under its new management – a joint venture between Sri Lanka and China. Located close to the international shipping route, the Hambantota Port possesses the necessary infrastructure to handle containers, general cargo, vehicles, passengers, oil, bulk terminal, gas and project cargo. Therefore, foreign shipping companies could look at calling at the Hambantota Port. Also, the industrial zone in the port premises would offer many investment opportunities for foreign businesses/industries.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/17012019/Z_2 |