Hambantota International Port reaches container throughput milestone
Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since commissioning new quay cranes in 2025, as the port continues expanding its container-handling infrastructure.
The port handled 428,036 TEUs during 2025, followed by 574,196 TEUs in 2026 through the reporting period. Combined throughput reached 1,002,232 TEUs, marking a milestone in the development of its container operations.
The figure represents cumulative throughput across the two periods, rather than annual container volume.
MSC volumes support container growth
MSC has played a significant role in the expansion of Hambantota’s container business as the port’s principal container shipping customer.
In April 2026, the port established a single-vessel handling record during a call by MSC Marie Leslie, recording 7,968 container moves, equivalent to 13,260 TEUs.
The performance exceeded the records previously set by MSC Ilenia and MSC Ruby in March.
Container throughput subsequently reached a monthly record of 80,325 TEUs in June, reflecting increased activity at the port.
“Crossing one million TEUs is an important achievement for HIP and a strong indication of the confidence our customers are placing in the port,” said Wilson Qu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group.
Qu attributed the development of the port’s container business to cooperation with shipping lines, operational reliability and the ability to respond to changing customer requirements.
Expansion programme targets higher capacity
HIP is investing in additional container-handling equipment, berth facilities, yard space and refrigerated container infrastructure to accommodate future traffic growth.
The programme includes six new quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes as part of a wider US$108 million investment in container-handling machinery and supporting assets.
The equipment is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of February 2027.
Once operational, the additional machinery is expected to support the utilisation of another 1,300 metres of berth space, bringing the port’s total container quay length to nearly two kilometres.
HIP also plans to expand its container yard by 30%, increasing the space available for container storage and handling.
The investments form part of the port’s longer-term objective of reaching an annual container-handling capacity of two million TEUs.
Infrastructure development aligned with demand
According to HIP, the expansion is intended to strengthen ship-to-shore operations, improve vessel turnaround times and provide additional capacity for larger container ships.
“The one-million-TEU milestone shows that HIP’s container business is moving into a new stage of growth,” said Tommy Yang, Chief Operations Officer of Hambantota International Port.
Yang said the port’s investment strategy focuses on developing capacity ahead of demand while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
The additional equipment, berth capacity and yard facilities are expected to support further growth in container operations as the port works towards its long-term capacity target.
