Sri Lanka’s HIP sets new container throughput record with MSC vessel
Daily FT: Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully handled container vessel MSC Marie Leslie, marking one of its highest-volume vessel calls to date. The achievement further strengthens the Port’s position as an emerging hub for containerised cargo in the region.
The vessel operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was berthed at HIP from 11 to 15 April. The Port achieved 7,968 container moves during this period, translating to a total volume of 13,260 TEUs; the highest single-vessel throughput recorded by HIP to date.
This latest milestone surpasses previous records, including 12,957 TEUs handled on MSC Ilenia and 11,369 TEUs on MSC Ruby in March this year, reflecting a steady upward trend in the Port’s container handling performance.
Port officials noted that the operation is a testament to HIP’s growing operational strength and ability to manage high-volume vessel calls efficiently. “This achievement reflects the coordination, discipline, and capability of our teams across all functions,” Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) Chief Operating Officer Tommy Yang said.
“As volumes continue to increase, our focus remains on delivering safe, efficient, and reliable services to our customers,” he added.
The operation was supported by multiple departments, including operations, engineering, and safety and navigation, alongside external partners who contributed toward maintaining high productivity levels under demanding conditions.
Located just 10 nautical miles from the main East-West shipping route, HIP has been steadily enhancing its container handling capabilities in response to shifting global trade patterns and increasing demand for alternative transhipment hubs.
The successful handling of MSC Marie Leslie further reinforces HIP’s readiness to accommodate larger volumes and its growing role within the regional maritime and logistics network.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s maritime sector is gaining strong momentum as the country advances its ambition to become a regional shipping and logistics hub in South Asia. The recent handling of the container vessel MSC Marie Leslie at HIP reflects this growing capacity, marking a significant milestone in the port’s development as an emerging center for high-volume container operations. This progress is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen port infrastructure and expand maritime services. With its strategic location in the Indian Ocean close to the international shipping lanes, Sri Lanka is well positioned to serve as a transshipment and logistics gateway between East and West. Ports such as Hambantota and Colombo are increasingly attracting larger vessels and higher cargo volumes, signaling rising competitiveness in the region. For foreign businesses/investors, this evolving landscape presents opportunities across multiple segments. Beyond port operations, there is strong potential in logistics parks, warehousing, shipping services, supply chain management, and marine engineering. Value-added services such as ship repair, bunkering, and cold-chain logistics are also gaining traction as trade volumes increase. As Sri Lanka deepens its role in global maritime trade, the sector offers a compelling entry point for foreign businesses/investors seeking long-term growth in infrastructure-driven industries.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260505/Z_4 |