Hambantota International Port Invests USD 108 Million in New Cranes: Expands Container Terminal Capacity To 2 Million TEU

COLOMBO (News 1st); Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has signed an agreement to invest USD 108 million in new container handling equipment, marking a major expansion of its container terminal capacity and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as an emerging logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. 

The agreement, signed at a ceremony held in Colombo on March 26, brings together HIPG and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) to procure six quay cranes, 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) and 40 trailers, under the initial phase of the port’s Phase II container terminal development. 

The investment comes amid growing demand for alternative logistics hubs as global shipping patterns continue to shift, particularly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. HIP’s location, just 10 nautical miles from the main East–West shipping route, positions it as a reliable 
and efficient option for shipping lines seeking minimal deviation and operational stability. 

The new quay cranes, with a 72-metre outreach, 55-metre lifting height and 65-ton lifting capacity, will enable Hambantota International Port (HIP) to handle the world’s largest container vessels, while the RTGs will enhance yard efficiency and support more environmentally sustainable 
operations through a transition towards electrification. 

Once deployed, the equipment will activate the port’s existing 1,300-metre container berth, increasing total annual capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs and extending total quay length for container operations to nearly 2 kilometres, enabling the port to handle multiple large vessels 
simultaneously. 

Hambantota International Port has recorded strong growth across its core business segments. In 2025, the port handled 8.24 million tonnes of cargo, a significant increase from 3.0 million tonnes in 2024. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) operations rose to 726,153 units, up from 579,362 units the 
previous year, while container throughput surged to 428,036 TEUs, compared to 53,169 TEUs in 2024. The sharp rise across all segments highlights the port’s rapid emergence as a regional transhipment platform. 

The port’s development is part of a broader strategy to build integrated capabilities across multiple sectors, including containers, RoRo, energy, and industrial operations, supported by the ongoing development of its industrial park, where the first manufacturing facility has already commenced 
operations. In addition to capacity expansion, the investment supports national sustainability priorities, including the transition towards electric RTGs, reducing emissions and contributing to the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. 

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; Minister of Ports and Shipping, Anura Karunathilaka; Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku; Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, Seevali 
Arukgoda; Ms Renuka Weerakone, Director General of the Board of Investment, CEO of HIPG, Wilson Qu; COO of CMport and Chairman of HIPG, Vincent Lu; Zhang Jian - Vice president, ZPMC; Michael Yang - Deputy Director of Sales & Marketing Management Department, ZPMC, among other distinguished guests.

With the Sri Lanka government’s backing and continued international collaboration, Hambantota International Port is steadily advancing as a resilient and strategically significant hub in the Indian Ocean, with this timely investment ensuring the port is well positioned to meet rising capacity demands in the industry.