The Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully released its second batch of vehicles for the local market last week, further strengthening its role as a major hub for automotive shipments.
A total of 1,159 vehicles were handled during the ship’s call, which included 462 BYD vehicles designated for the Sri Lankan market.
According to a statement issued by the Hambantota International Port, the operation included the release of 490 vehicles and the transhipment of 669 vehicles.
The RoRo unit, which has a deadweight capacity of 20,895 tonnes and approximately 10,800 CEUs (car equivalent units), arrived at the Glovis Centennial.
According to Lance Suo, General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), HIP is rapidly emerging as a critical hub in the regional automotive supply chain, especially in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. He highlighted the port’s robust logistics infrastructure, which is designed to meet the unique needs of electric vehicles.
“This includes state-of-the-art mobile automotive battery charging equipment, which facilitates seamless operations and reduces downtime for EV shipments. The battery chargers feature fast charging, smart diagnostics and safety protection measures. In addition, HIP is equipped with specialized towing equipment, ensuring that various types of EV cargo are managed with the highest level of care and precision,” he added.
“Our commitment to providing high-quality facilities for electric vehicles reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of the automotive industry in the region,” said Lance Suo.
The Korean-flagged Glovis Century completed its operations at HIP before arriving from Singapore and continuing its journey to Sohar Port in Oman, the statement said.
Hambantota International Port is committed to improving its capacity and efficiency to facilitate seamless vehicle handling, further positioning itself as a leading hub for automotive logistics in South Asia.