In 2025, Hambantota International Port (HIP) achieved a milestone by recording a 175% year-on-year increase in total cargo volumes, despite facing one of the most challenging years for the global port industry.
HIP managed 8.24 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, a significant increase from the 3.0 million metric tonnes handled in 2024. This growth was fueled by a surge across container, RORO, and bulk cargo segments amid volatile trade flows, supply chain realignments, congestion pressures, and rising operating costs globally.
The most notable growth was observed in container traffic, with volumes increasing from 53,170 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025. Additionally, containerised cargo tonnage rose from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 million metric tonnes, establishing HIP as a major container gateway within a single year.
The second phase of expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, aims to enhance the port’s annual container handling capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs. This will involve dedicating four container berths and incorporating additional equipment, including six quay cranes (QCs) and sixteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTCs).
Despite a subdued global automotive market, RORO operations also experienced solid growth. In 2025, HIP handled 726,153 RORO units, up from 579,362 units the previous year. RORO tonnage increased by 25% year-on-year to 965,783 metric tonnes, supported by consistent automotive and project cargo demand.
Bulk and break bulk cargo volumes saw a 32% rise to 1.18 million metric tonnes, underscoring the port’s expanding role in supporting industrial activity, infrastructure development, and diversified supply chains. Meanwhile, oil and gas volumes remained stable at 661,131 metric tonnes due to softer global energy market conditions.
“2025 was not an easy year to be a port,” stated Wilson Qu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “What makes this performance remarkable is not just the scale of growth but that it was achieved amid sustained global disruption. These volumes reflect customer confidence, operational flexibility, aggressive marketing strategies in Sri Lanka and internationally, as well as the commitment of our team.”
The global port sector in 2025 was characterized by congestion, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting trade patterns. Within this context, HIP’s results align with broader industry trends toward cargo diversification, increased containerisation, and operational resilience—key attributes of competitive, future-ready ports.
With a transformed volume base and a significantly expanded footprint across container, RORO, and bulk cargo, HIP enters 2026 with strong momentum, focused on sustaining growth while continuing to support trade, industry, and regional economic development.
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