Hambantota International Port has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since the commissioning of new quay cranes in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the rapid growth of its container operations.
The port handled 428,036 TEUs in 2025 and 574,196 TEUs year-to-date in 2026, bringing combined volume to 1,002,232 TEUs.
MSC, HIP’s principal container customer, has contributed significantly to the growth trajectory. In April 2026, the MSC Marie Leslie set a new single-vessel handling record of 7,968 container moves, equivalent to 13,260 TEUs, during a single call.
HIP subsequently achieved its highest-ever monthly throughput of 80,325 TEUs in June, reflecting operational preparedness and available capacity during a period of uncertainty affecting major global trade routes.
To support sustained growth toward a long-term target of two million TEUs annual capacity, HIP is undertaking a US$ 108 million expansion programme encompassing six new quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, expected to be commissioned by the end of February 2027.
Once operational, the new equipment will strengthen ship-to-shore and yard-handling capacity, support utilisation of an additional 1,300 metres of berth space and take total container quay length to nearly two kilometres.
The container yard will be expanded by 30% to accommodate rising throughput, and reefer capacity will also be increased.
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu described the one million TEU milestone as a strong indication of customer confidence built through close shipping line engagement, operational reliability and responsiveness to changing requirements.
Chief Operations Officer Tommy Yang characterised the investment strategy as focused on developing capacity ahead of demand while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability, creating the scale required to achieve the two million TEU target.
