Hambantota International Port (HIP) has marked a significant milestone by successfully integrating High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) into its fuel service range in January 2025.

Offering a full marine fuel suite including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO/MDO), the development strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the global maritime landscape and allows HIP to cater to a wide range of vessels plying the world’s busiest shipping lane.

“With our expanding range of services and growing reputation for operational excellence, HIP is positioning itself as a key player in the future of maritime trade and fuel supply. “This expansion not only expands the services we offer, but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a major maritime player in the Indian Ocean region,” said Wilson Kwa, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). The newly operational HSFO facility will feature a storage capacity of 6,000 cubic meters divided across two dedicated tanks in the port’s oil tank farm and a specialized pumping system capable of transferring 400 metric tons per hour. A streamlined pipeline system will directly connect the tanks to HIP’s oil jetties, ensuring fast, efficient fuel delivery. The facility will have advanced monitoring and remote control systems, ensuring precise, safe operations. It will provide significant convenience to shipowners with vessels using scrubbers that choose HFSO for its cost-effective, advanced scrubbing systems while meeting the IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap regulations.

The port, which now houses Sri Lanka’s first shore-based storage tank farm with a dedicated facility for HSFO fuel supply, marked a milestone with the successful offloading of 5,000 MT of HSFO and 20,000 MT of VLSFO from the vessel ‘Grand Ace 10’ from January 30 to February 01. This operation unveiled HIP’s new HSFO fuel infrastructure, thereby setting the stage for increased fuel diversity in the region.