March 20, Colombo (LNW): Hambantota International Port (HIP) continues to strengthen its position as a significant automotive shipment hub, marking another milestone with the successful discharge of its second batch of vehicles for the Sri Lankan market.
Last week, a total of 1,159 vehicles were handled at the port, including 462 BYD electric vehicles (EVs) destined for domestic sale.
The operation saw 490 vehicles unloaded, while 669 vehicles were loaded for transshipment to other regions. The vessels used for this operation, the Glovis Century, a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ship, boasts a deadweight capacity of 20,895 tonnes and can carry around 10,800 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs).
Lance Zuo, the General Manager of Commercial and Marketing at Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), highlighted the port’s growing importance in the regional automotive logistics chain, particularly for the burgeoning electric vehicle sector.
“HIP is rapidly emerging as a central hub in the regional automotive supply chain, particularly for the electric vehicle market,” he noted. “The port is well-equipped to handle the specific requirements of EV shipments, including the integration of advanced mobile car battery charging stations that ensure smooth operations and minimise downtime. These chargers are fast, equipped with smart diagnostics, and offer robust safety features. Furthermore, we have invested in specialised towing equipment to handle EV cargo with precision and care. Our commitment to high-quality infrastructure reflects our dedication to supporting the regional growth of the automotive industry.”
The Glovis Century, which sailed under the South Korean flag, arrived at HIP from Singapore, completing its operations efficiently before continuing its journey to Sohar Port in Oman.
The HIP continues to enhance its logistics capacity, and the port’s focus on building a state-of-the-art infrastructure for vehicle handling is set to further solidify its reputation as a leading hub for automotive shipments in South Asia.
