HIPG team with NYK delegation

HIPG CEO Wilson Qu exchanges a token with NYK Regional Managing Director Hiroyuki Noma to mark the visit

NYK’s new Regional Managing Director Hiroyuki Noma, stationed in Singapore, made a courtesy visit to the Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week.

The delegation also consisted of Regional RORO Head Keisuke Furukawa, Group Management Committee Member Sagara Pieris, NYK Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd Director Jeremy Anandappa and Deputy General Manager Customer Service and Business Development Dhammika Sampath. 

The delegation held discussions with Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) CEO Wilson Qu and his commercial and marketing as well as operations teams on the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) operations currently being handled by HIPG. The HIP is currently planning on further extending its RORO yard capacity as well as implementing some key measures to enhance efficiency, given the port’s potential for attracting more vessel calls. 

As industry specialists assert that the global RORO vessels market achieved a value of approximately US $ 24.79 billion in 2022, this sector is anticipated to experience robust growth. Expanding from an estimated US $ 26.08 billion in 2023 to a projected US $ 39.12 billion by the year 2031, the growth trajectory for newer ports offering the service is getting better.  

“We plan to sustain the port’s cargo volume growth by maintaining the same levels of 2024, which is a 33 percent increase compared to the previous year. This is a tremendous achievement for the port, especially considering the compounded annual growth rate of the entire global market, which is around 2-3 percent during the past few years. We attribute our success to several factors such as our strategic location, excellence and experienced handling, with zero tolerance for accidents as well as ample yard space for the RORO units awaiting transshipment. Our trained and experienced operational staff are experts in vessel planning and cargo operations, ensuring the smooth discharge of vehicles at destination ports. With expanded infrastructure and expertise, we are wholly geared to meet the evolving demands of the global shipping industry,” said Qu. 

Several factors contribute to the upward trend in the RORO vessels market. Increasing demand for efficient, economical transportation solutions for vehicles and cargo, coupled with the rise in international trade and globalisation, is expected to drive the market growth. Additionally, advancements in vessel design technology, which enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, are likely to attract further investment and interest in this sector. 

“For example, keeping with the current trends, the HIP is well geared and ready to handle electric vehicles (EVs).  Our readiness has already attracted global attention and recently the world’s No. 1 EV manufacturer BYD Auto paid a visit to the port to inspect our facilities,” said HIPG General Manager Commercial and Marketing Lance Zuo.
As the industry evolves, the key players are focusing on expanding their fleet and upgrading the existing vessels to meet the new regulatory requirements and customer expectations. In line with that, most of the newly released RORO vessels operate on dual fuel (LNG and fossil) to minimise emissions. The combination of innovation and growing logistical demands suggests a promising future for RORO vessels, solidifying their critical role in the maritime shipping landscape and the HIP’s vision is to be one of the top-tier transshipment ports in the world.