# Hambantota Port reports sustained vehicle handling activity

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/hambantota-port-reports-sustained-vehicle-handling-activity/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-19T17:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-19T08:05:25+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Hambantota International Port, Port Operations, Ro-Ro Cargo, Sri Lanka, Vehicle Logistics

Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka reported handling 167,569 vehicles across the March–December 2025 period and the first nine months of 2026, reflecting continued activity in the country’s vehicle import market.

According to Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), the port handled 86,389 vehicles between March and December 2025, comprising 30,809 new vehicles and 55,580 used vehicles.

During January–September 2026, the reported volume reached 81,180 vehicles, including 25,018 new vehicles and 56,162 used vehicles.

The figures cover different reporting periods and therefore do not provide a direct year-on-year comparison.

## Vehicle handling activity at Hambantota

Used vehicles accounted for approximately 69% of the total volume reported for January–September 2026, compared with around 64% during March–December 2025.

The port has also been working with the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL), which represents more than 450 members involved in vehicle imports and related services.

The cooperation has focused on addressing operational challenges affecting vehicle clearance, storage and cargo movements.

## Measures introduced to manage disruptions

HIPG said it had introduced several measures to help vehicle importers manage costs during periods of market disruption.

These included demurrage waivers and concessions for vehicles that remained at the port for extended periods during import restrictions.

More recently, disruptions affecting vehicle transhipment through the Gulf region prompted the port operator to introduce a storage cap mechanism for affected vehicles.

According to HIPG, the measure was designed to limit storage-related costs and provide greater predictability for importers facing delays.

The company did not disclose the financial value of the concessions or specify how many vehicles benefited from the storage cap.

## Cooperation with vehicle importers

HIPG said its cooperation with VIAL has helped the port identify operational requirements and respond to changing market conditions.

The association works with customs authorities, transport regulators and other public institutions on matters affecting Sri Lanka’s vehicle import sector.

VIAL has acknowledged the port operator’s support during periods of increased demand and disruption, particularly its measures addressing vehicle storage and clearance costs.

The reported handling volumes and operational measures underline Hambantota’s role in Sri Lanka’s vehicle logistics network, although the announcement does not provide comparable full-year figures or forecasts for future traffic.

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Cite as: "Hambantota Port reports sustained vehicle handling activity", pelavox., 19 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/hambantota-port-reports-sustained-vehicle-handling-activity/