The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has commenced its container transshipment service, operated in collaboration with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

The inaugural call saw MV ‘MSC Ingrid’ unload over 500 TEUs of transshipment containers, marking the beginning of a new era in maritime connectivity for the region.

The containers, originating from Rotterdam Port, are bound for Dubai via the second carrier, ‘MSC Sky 11’, scheduled to dock on April 16. Johnson Liu, Chief Representative of China Merchants Group in Sri Lanka and CEO of HIPG, expressed optimism about enhancing Sri Lanka’s position in the marine connectivity index for South Asia. With plans to expand infrastructure and equipment investments, HIPG aims to accommodate larger vessels on the east-west shipping route, leveraging HIP’s strategic location and expertise.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, lauded the collaboration, facilitating direct shipments and transshipments between HIP and the Port of Colombo. This initiative not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
HIP is also focusing on safety measures and service enhancements, including the development of five silos, to meet industry demands effectively.