(Commonwealth) _ During September 2023, Hambantota International Port (HIP) celebrated a remarkable achievement by successfully managing a total of half a million transshipment units. This substantial increase in transshipment activity, in comparison to the preceding year’s roll-on/roll-off (RORO) statistics, underscores HIP’s growing prominence as a pivotal hub for global logistics, highlighting its commitment to excellence and efficiency in the maritime industry. Tissa Wickremasinghe, holding the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) within the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), conveyed his insights, stating, “As the global economy undergoes a gradual resurgence, we have proactively amplified our endeavors to promote HIP’s strategic geographical advantage and its exceptional service offerings. This focused approach has yielded tangible results, manifesting as consistent growth in the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) transshipment sector at HIP. Our dedication to these efforts has translated into year-on-year enhancements in cargo volume, solidifying our position as a reliable and thriving contributor to the maritime industry’s evolving landscape, poised to meet the demands of a recovering global economy.”
In the previous year, HIP reached the 500,000-unit mark in November, concluding 2022 with a total volume of 558,200 movements involving both local and transshipment cargo. However, in 2023, the port remarkably achieved this milestone within the third quarter, setting a new record. Over the past five years, HIP’s RORO business has witnessed substantial growth, positioning it as an attractive hub for vehicle transshipment. Lance Zuo, the General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at HIPG, attributes this success to their ability to meet high-quality, efficiency, and reliability standards demanded by shipping lines. HIP’s services and transshipment capabilities align with “best in the world” standards, combined with its advantageous strategic location, making it a preferred destination for RORO operations. Serving as the most convenient transshipment port for both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, HIP’s operational excellence further enhances its appeal.
Throughout the year, the port has handled 218 ship calls from eight different shipping lines. Notably, September saw the highest volume with 75,608 movements resulting from 32 RORO vessel calls. During the same month, HIP also recorded its highest-ever RORO loading volume of 39,200 movements. Achieving the half-million milestone involved transshipment operations for the MV Sunlight Ace of MOL and MV Soo Shin of Glovis, contributing 2,391 and 3,407 movements, respectively. The COO of HIPG attributes the port’s success to various factors, emphasizing their commitment to adhering to Standard Operational Procedures and ensuring safe practices during RORO operations. This dedication was exemplified in the way their expert operations team handled vessels like the Sunlight Ace and Soo Shin, even amidst extreme weather conditions.
Compared to 2022, the port has observed a substantial 25% increase in RORO volumes. This remarkable growth can be attributed not only to hard work and dedication but also to HIP’s strategic investments in new equipment. These investments have enabled the port to meet and maintain international standards, solidifying its position as a leading transshipment port for RORO cargo. Furthermore, the construction of a new yard dedicated to transshipment vehicles is nearing completion and is anticipated to become fully operational by 2024.
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has emerged as an exemplary symbol of growth and triumph in the realm of vehicle transshipment, marking a significant milestone of half a million transshipment units in 2023. Their unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and operational efficiency, coupled with strategic investments, has firmly established HIP as a leading hub for roll-on/roll-off (RORO) operations. This accomplishment not only underscores their operational excellence but also underscores their pivotal role in the intricate web of the global supply chain. HIP’s remarkable achievements serve as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and significant impact on international trade and logistics, further solidifying their position as a beacon of success in the industry.
