The $108M Leap: Hambantota International Port Scales Up for the Big Leagues

 In a landmark move for Sri Lanka’s maritime future, the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) signed a $108 million agreement this week to procure 6 quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). This investment will activate the port’s Phase II container terminal, increasing its annual capacity to 2 million TEUs. These new cranes, with a 72-meter outreach, are specifically designed to handle the world’s largest ultra-large container vessels.

While Colombo remains the transshipment king, Hambantota is positioning itself as a “Modern Canvas” for integrated logistics, combining containers, Ro-Ro, and energy operations. For 3PL providers, this expansion offers a critical “second gate” for the island, providing a deep-water alternative that reduces the risk of total logistics paralysis if Colombo faces congestion.

Source: The Island – H’tota Int’l Port invests USD 108 mn in new cranes – March 31, 2026