Logistics: HIP posts 175% cargo growth in 2025

Hambantota International Port (HIP) posted a 175% year-on-year increase in total cargo volumes in 2025, despite what has been widely recognised as one of the most challenging years for the global port industry.

HIP handled 8.24 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes in 2024, driven by sharp growth across container, RORO, and bulk cargo segments amid volatile trade flows, supply chain realignments, congestion pressures, and rising operating costs worldwide.

The most dramatic gains came from container traffic. Volumes surged from 53,170 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while containerised cargo tonnage rose from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 million metric tonnes, marking HIP’s rapid emergence as a significant container gateway within a single year.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the second phase will increase the port’s annual container handling capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs. This will be achieved by allocating four dedicated container berths and adding additional equipment, including six quay cranes (QCs) and sixteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTCs).

RORO operations also delivered solid growth despite subdued global automotive markets. HIP handled 726,153 RORO units in 2025, up from 579,362 units the previous year, with RORO tonnage increasing 25% year-on-year to 965,783 metric tonnes, supported by steady automotive and project cargo demand.

Bulk and break bulk cargo volumes strengthened further, rising 32%  to 1.18 million metric tonnes, reinforcing the port’s growing role in supporting industrial activity, infrastructure development, and diversified supply chains. Oil and gas volumes remained broadly stable at 661,131 metric tonnes, reflecting softer global energy market conditions.

“2025 was not an easy year to be a port,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) CEO Wilson Qu. “What makes this performance remarkable is not just the scale of growth, but that it was achieved amid sustained global disruption. These volumes reflect customer confidence, operational flexibility, aggressive marketing strategies in Sri Lanka and internationally, as well as the commitment of our team.”

Across the global port sector, 2025 was marked by congestion, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting trade patterns. Against this backdrop, HIP’s results align with broader industry trends toward cargo diversification, increased containerisation, and operational resilience – key attributes of competitive, future-ready ports.

With a transformed volume base and a significantly expanded footprint across container, RORO, and bulk cargo, HIP enters 2026 with strong momentum, focused on sustaining growth while continuing to support trade, industry, and regional economic development.

Source - The Morning