HIP Expands RoRo Capacity to Bolster East-West Trade Position 📈

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has commissioned a new six-hectare Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard, marking a key milestone in Stage I of its Phase II expansion to strengthen Sri Lanka’s role as a regional logistics and transhipment hub. • Capacity & Infrastructure: The new yard increases vehicle parking capacity to 4,500 units per terminal space. It is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic circulation, and ensure faster vessel turnaround times for large Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). • Operational Performance: In 2025, HIP handled 726,153 vehicles, driven by demand across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The port is now targeting an annual handling capacity of 1 million vehicles in upcoming phases. • Strategic Advantage: Located only 10 nautical miles from the main East-West shipping lane, the port offers significant "deviation savings." This reinforces its value proposition for automotive transhipment and consolidation. • Future Outlook: Construction for Stage II of Phase II is already underway, with commissioning expected in Q2 2026. Additionally, NYK has announced two new RoRo services, signaling strong industry confidence in the maritime and transport sector. _Data based on official HIPG commissioning reports (March 2026)._