Hambantota International Port (HIP) has opened a new six-hectare RoRo yard under Stage I of Phase II of its expansion plan. The project supports its long-term automotive transhipment strategy.
The new yard adds space for 4,500 vehicles per terminal block. It reduces congestion. It improves yard planning and traffic flow. It also speeds up vessel turnaround times.
In 2025, HIP handled 726,153 vehicles. Volumes grew across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The port now targets capacity of 1 million vehicles per year in the next phases.
Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG, said the expansion will cut congestion and boost productivity. He said it strengthens HIP’s offer to global RoRo operators on the East–West trade lane.
HIP lies just 10 nautical miles from the main East–West shipping route. The location reduces deviation time. It connects South Asia’s vehicle export markets with hubs in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The port operates deep-water berths and dedicated RoRo terminals. It can handle some of the world’s largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers. HIP continues to invest in yard space, equipment, and digital systems to maintain reliable service.
Stage II of Phase II is under construction. It will launch in the second quarter of this year. On the same day, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) announced two new RoRo services to HIP, showing strong market confidence.
HIP continues to strengthen its role as a key automotive hub in the Indian Ocean region.
