Vessel calls at Hambantota International Port surge by 132% YoY

MT. Ocean Lanka loading VLSFO at the HIP

Over 300 oil and gas cargo vessels visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) in 2023, recording a 132 percent increase in vessel calls compared to 2022.  
The improved performance is attributed to the port’s bunkering partner Sinopec actively operating in the market, bringing significant value addition to the HIP’s commercial operations. 
The overall oil and gas throughput handled by the port in 2023 was 918,000 MT, with 700,000 MT of bunker and 218,000 MT of LPG cargoes.  
“We are looking at the energy sector as a growth market for the HIP and are actively promoting it. We expect these figures to more than double in the current year. With Sinopec partnering with the HIP, we are changing the dynamics of bunker supplies in the Indian Ocean, adhering to the highest levels of health and safety,” said Hambantota International Port Group COO Tissa Wickremasinghe. 
A total of 35 vessels called at the HIP in July 2023, making it the month for the highest number of calls during the year. The port recorded a growth of 186 percent in LPG vessels and a 125 percent growth in bunker vessels in 2023, as opposed to the 114 bunker and 15 LPG vessels that called in 2022.
In terms of throughput, the port saw a 218 percent overall growth,

 with a 147 percent increase in LPG and a 250 percent increase in the bunker as opposed to 2022, with July marking the highest. 
Lanka Shipping & Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd Ship Agency and Marine Services Executive Director Trilan Perera said that the HIP’s dynamic team ensures seamless collaboration with industry professionals, delivering exemplary services to the port users. 
“The HIP’s bunkering facilities give priority to the highest standards of safety, reliability and operational efficiency. The port sources products reliably from the world’s leading suppliers, emphasising their dedication to quality. 
Its strategic positioning along the east-west sail route is geographically advantageous while the dedicated deep-water oil jetties provide for a higher standard of operational capability. The port has also increased its storage capacity to cater to industry growth. Undoubtedly, the HIP stands as a beacon of excellence in the maritime landscape.” 

 with a 147 percent increase in LPG and a 250 percent  increase in the bunker as opposed to 2022, with July  marking the highest. Lanka Shipping & Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd  Ship Agency and Marine Services Executive Director Trilan  Perera said that the HIP’s dynamic team ensures seamless  collaboration with industry professionals, delivering  exemplary services to the port users.  “The HIP’s bunkering facilities give priority to the highest  standards of safety, reliability and operational efficiency.  The port sources products reliably from the world’s leading  suppliers, emphasising their dedication to quality.  Its strategic positioning along the east-west sail route is  geographically advantageous while the dedicated deep-water  oil jetties provide for a higher standard of operational capability.  The port has also increased its storage capacity to cater to  industry growth. Undoubtedly, the HIP stands as a beacon of  excellence in the maritime landscape.”  The figures achieved were amidst several challenges,  Wickremasinghe remarked. “We are moving forward amidst an economic downturn  and a dollar crisis in Sri Lanka, continuing to provide  services without interruptions. The Palestine and Ukraine  wars have also impacted the oil market, contributing to a  surge in global prices.  We have achieved our target volumes, in spite of these  crises. With major projects and developments in infrastructure  occurring simultaneously, the port manages vessel operations,  handles manpower efficiently and we have achieved all of this  within a completely accident-free environment.”  The port has set higher goals for 2024 and says it is not only  about overcoming challenges but about setting new standards  and achieving overall growth.