Hambantota Port sees highest monthly RORO volume in April

Thursday, 13 May 2021 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) said yesterday it has seen a significant increase in its RORO figures during the first four months of 2021, compared to the corresponding period last year.

The first four months of this year saw 193,690 vehicles come into the port for transhipment as against 118,872 vehicles during the same period last year; 62,736 vehicles were transhipped last month, marking the highest volume of RORO the port has handled in a month so far.

The April figures have topped increased RORO volumes HIP experienced in December 2020 and January 2021.

The ports of loading of RORO cargo arriving for transhipment at HIP are Chennai, Mundra, Ennore in India and Gunsan and Pyeongtaek in South Korea while the main ports of discharge are Durban (SA), Veracruz (Mexico), San Antonio (US), Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Le Havere (France). Some of the main shipping lines operating to and from HIP include NYK, MOL, Hyundai Glovis, Kline, ZIM, Hoegh, SEALS Japan, Eastern Car Carrier lines.

“While globally the export market still seems to be fluctuating, it is encouraging to see the Hambantota International Port being selected as the port of choice by the major shipping lines, and the numbers keep growing. We attribute this primarily to the efficiency, reliability, and high productivity of our Port. This is coupled together with the focus on safety and quality as per the global standards of CMPort,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickramasinghe.

The port’s operations are carried out under strict COVID-19 regulations stipulated by the Government and port authorities.