HAMBANTOTA

• Latitude: 6.12831
•
• Longitude: 81.1023
•
• East Coast India
•
• Port in Sri Lanka

Address: Hambantota Sri Lanka

Phone number: +94 47 203 0449

Hambantota International Port (HIP) – Sri Lanka

Overview:

Hambantota International Port, also known as Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, is a deep-water port located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, in the town of Hambantota. It is one of the newest and largest ports in the country and aims to be a major hub in the Indian Ocean, benefiting from Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position along key shipping routes.

Key Specifications and Features:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 6.1240° N, 81.1185° E.
   • Situated about 240 kilometers southeast of the capital, Colombo.

2. Ownership and Management:

   • Initially developed by the Government of Sri Lanka.
   • Operated and managed by Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS), entities formed through a public-private partnership (part of the lease agreement with China Merchants Port Holdings Company).

3. Port Capacity and Facilities:

   • Berths: Several deep-water berths capable of handling different types of vessels including container ships, bulk carriers, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels.
   • Depth: The port can accommodate vessels with drafts up to 17 meters.
   • Terminals:
     • Container Terminal: Equipped with modern gantry cranes and other cargo handling equipment.
     • Bulk Terminal: Handles bulk cargo such as coal, salt, and fertilizer.
     • Ro-Ro Terminal: Specifically designed for handling roll-on/roll-off cargo such as vehicles.
     • Oil Tank Farm: A designated area for storage and handling of petroleum products.

4. Infrastructure:

   • Area: The port spans over several hundred hectares offering ample space for cargo handling and storage.
   • Warehouse Facilities: Equipped with multiple warehouses for various types of cargo storage.
   • Access: Well-connected by road, and there are plans for rail connectivity to enhance inland cargo movement.

5. Services Offered:

   • Pilotage, towage, and mooring services.
   • Bunkering and ship supplies.
   • Repair and maintenance services.
   • Customs clearance and logistics services.

6. Strategic Importance:

   • One of the largest ports in the South Asian region.
   • Designed to reduce congestion at the Colombo Port and cater to international maritime traffic.
   • Strategically located close to one of the world’s busiest sea lanes, making it an ideal transshipment hub.

7. Expansion Plans:

   • Future phases include additional berths, enhanced terminal facilities, and upgraded logistic services to handle increasing cargo volumes.

Economic and Strategic Impact:

The Hambantota International Port is seen as a catalyst for regional economic development. Its strategic location helps in tapping into maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, potentially making Sri Lanka a pivotal maritime hub. The port is also a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to facilitate trade between Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In summary, the Hambantota International Port is a modern maritime facility, offering extensive services and facilities with high growth potential, strategically enhancing Sri Lanka’s position in global maritime logistics.