Sri Lanka’s HIPG introduces container cargo inspection yard
The Morning: The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has partnered with Rank Container Terminals (Pvt.) Ltd. (RCT) to develop a purpose-built container cargo inspection yard within the port premises.
The new facility will serve as a centralised inspection point for all local import and export containers handled through Hambantota International Port (HIP), as a logistic gateway for southern Sri Lanka.
The Rs. 1 billion project is a private-sector measure to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and trade facilitation. The developer will integrate modern technology and infrastructure in close collaboration with Sri Lankan Customs and other relevant government agencies involved in container inspection. The launching of the partnership was attended by Sri Lanka Customs official senior, the Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda.
RCT Chairperson Ravi Wijeratne said: “This facility is mainly targeted at servicing the southern hinterland of Sri Lanka. With the Colombo Port facing an excess of supply, HIP can help reduce the pressure by providing an efficient alternative for container handling and inspection.”
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu said: “These extensions to the container yard are in line with our original master plan for Hambantota and each new development strengthens the port’s ability to meet the growing logistical demands of the region and positions HIP as a key enabler of trade and industrial growth in southern Sri Lanka.”
Furthermore, RCT plans to replicate the one-stop-shop model in Hambantota, by providing container handling and inspection services designed to streamline cargo movement and minimise logistical bottlenecks.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s maritime industry, especially the ports, shipping and logistics sectors, are on a steady expansion path given the country’s target of becoming a maritime hub in the South Asian region. This expansion has opened many business/investment opportunities covering many sectors in the maritime industry. The need to be on par with the fast-evolving global maritime industry and the increasing demands of the industry have opened many opportunities for foreign businesses/investors in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean near international maritime lanes and the strong trade ties enjoyed by the country with many foreign countries have all given a boost to the industry and related sectors. The increasing traffic making its way to the Colombo Port has also resulted in the Sri Lankan authorities focusing on further developing and expanding other key ports located in other parts of the country. These development programmes have also opened new opportunities for businesses/investors. Given the growth and profits recorded by businesses already operating in the maritime industry and the interest shown by foreign businesses/investors to enter the industry, they indicate the growing business potential in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry and related sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251208/Z_1 |