Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has signed an agreement to invest $108 million in container handling equipment, as part of plans to expand capacity at its terminal to around 2 million TEUs.
The agreement was signed on 26 March in Colombo between HIPG and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC).
Under the initial phase of the port’s Phase II container terminal development, the investment will fund the procurement of six quay cranes, 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes and 40 trailers.
H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, said: “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have long cared for, supported, and contributed to China–Sri Lanka port cooperation.
“Today’s signing marks another important achievement in deepening bilateral cooperation in the port sector and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. It reflects our shared commitment to joint development and mutual benefit, and will inject new momentum into the development of Sri Lanka’s port system.”
READ: Hambantota Port invests $41 million in crane upgrade
According to HIPG, the new quay cranes will have a 72-metre outreach, 55-metre lifting height and a 65-ton lifting capacity, enabling the port to handle the largest container vessels currently in operation.
The RTGs are expected to improve yard efficiency and support a transition towards electrification.
Once deployed, the equipment will activate the port’s existing 1,300-metre container berth.
Total quay length for container operations will extend to nearly 2 kilometres, allowing multiple large vessels to be handled at the same time, while annual capacity is projected to reach approximately 2 million TEUs.
Minister of Ports and Shipping Anura Karunathilaka added: “Beyond transhipment, Sri Lanka should emerge as a comprehensive marine services hub. From bunkering and ship repairs to crew changes and logistics support, we should develop the capacity to offer end-to-end maritime solutions. Hambantota, in particular, is evolving into a modern, integrated port and industrial ecosystem capable of meeting the diverse needs of global maritime stakeholders.”
RoRo volumes increased to 726,153 units from 579,362 units, while container throughput rose to 428,036 TEUs from 53,169 TEUs.
For more information:
Hambantota International Port Group – https://www.hipg.lk/
