On August 11, 2025, New Zealand High Commissioner David Gregory Pine, accompanied by Policy Adviser Rasika Sumudhu Jayasinghe, visited Hambantota International Port (HIP). The tour highlighted HIP’s advanced facilities and its emerging role in international logistics, fostering discussions on trade collaboration between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the region.
The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has tackled vehicle release delays by improving operational systems. Since February 2025, over 9,151 vehicles have arrived, leading to systemic enhancements. Vehicles can now be cleared within 24 hours. HIPG also extended documentation hours and invested in infrastructure upgrades to facilitate smoother vehicle transfers.
Hambantota International Port (HIP) made headlines in January 2025 with the introduction of High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) to its bunkering services. This move, along with existing marine fuels like VLSFO and MGO/MDO, further solidifies Sri Lanka’s presence in the global maritime sector. HIP’s strategic positioning and commitment to innovation are setting new standards.
The first LNG battery-powered RORO vessel, NYK Line’s Jasmine Leader, has arrived at Hambantota International Port (HIP) with transshipment cargo destined for Dammam and the Maldives. This environmentally friendly vessel offers reduced emissions and a lower risk of oil spills, representing the next generation of sustainable maritime transportation.
As of December 30, 2023, Hambantota International Port (HIP) has been the fastest growing RO-RO transshipment port in the region, handling 700,000 transshipment vehicles with a 26% increase from 2022. The General Manager, Lance Zuo, and COO, Tissa Wickramasinghe, attribute this success to the port’s quality service and operational reliability.
