Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port sees 40% rise in RORO transshipment
Daily FT: The Hambantota International Port (HIP) said yesterday it has marked a 40% increase in RORO vehicles handled between the second and third quarters of 2024.
It said, from 125,526 units handled in the second quarter, the Port went up to 175,583 RORO units handled as at the end of September.
A contributing factor to this is the increase in shipping lines operating from the HIP for transshipment, as well as a number of new ports joining the Port’s delivery network. Some of the new ports of loading in the portfolio include Shanghai, Ulsan, Taicang, Pyeongtaek, Dafeng, and Baltimore. The increase in RORO numbers, envisaged and planned two years ago, promoted the HIP to expand its yard space.
The Hambantota International Port Group’s (HIPG) Commercial and Marketing General Manager Lance Zuo says most of their RORO cargo is transhipped to different destinations worldwide. He adds that the Port has also seen a change in the types of vehicles that arrive for transshipment.
“We experienced an increase in the arrival of high and heavy vehicles from our contracted clients, which has significantly contributed to the Port’s revenue. Several RORO shipping lines launching new services to new destinations through the HIP shows their growing confidence in the Port, especially considering the significant increase in the numbers of high-end vehicles we tranship.”
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu said: “While there are several factors connected to our increase in RORO numbers such as the Port’s location and yard space, the key factor is our service excellence and experienced handling with zero tolerance for accidents. We have a trained and experienced operational staff for vessel planning and cargo operations which facilitates the smooth discharge of vehicles at their destination ports. By maximising the advantages of the HIP’s prime location, expansion of infrastructure to manage higher volumes effectively, and our experienced team, we are wholly geared to meet the evolving demands of the global shipping industry.”
The CEO added that the HIPG is committed to enhancing the Port’s service value, with a clear focus on customer satisfaction. “As we continue to grow, we are excited about the new dimensions we bring to the industry and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
With a comprehensive master plan and well-paced strategic investments, the HIP said it is well-equipped to sustain its growth and further elevate its status in the maritime industry.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is on a steady growth path with expansion being recorded in the ports, shipping and logistics sectors. The country’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean region in close proximity to the international maritime industry as well as the many trade agreements and trade concessions enjoyed by Sri Lanka with other countries have all served to boost the maritime industry. The increasing operations recorded by key ports around Sri Lanka has resulted in the need to carry out projects to develop and uplift the existing facilities in these ports to expand overall capacities in the shipping and logistics sectors. There are many direct and indirect business opportunities increasing in the maritime industry. Foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the many business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry given that these opportunities could see further growth given that the country is targeting on becoming a maritime hub. The growth, expansion and profits recorded by local businesses in the maritime industry further indicate the lucrative nature of Sri Lanka’s Maritime industry.
Article Code : | VBS/AT/20241010/Z_3 |