Hambantota International Port (HIP) achieved its highest-ever monthly throughput in both vehicle transhipment (RoRo) and container handling in June 2026, underscoring the port's growing role as a regional logistics hub amid shifting global trade patterns.

The port handled a record 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during the month, marking new highs for its two fastest-growing business segments.

HIP attributed the strong performance to proactive operational planning and customer engagement as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz prompted shipping lines and cargo owners to seek reliable alternative logistics solutions.

The port said it had prepared well in advance for potential supply chain disruptions by ensuring sufficient operational capacity to accommodate additional cargo volumes while assuring customers of uninterrupted services. This early response helped strengthen customer confidence at a time when flexibility and reliability became critical considerations for global shipping networks.

"June's performance reflects more than a monthly increase in volumes. It demonstrates the importance of anticipating change and being ready when customers need alternatives," HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu said.

He said the port's ability to provide operational flexibility and dependable service during a period of uncertainty had strengthened customer trust and supported long-term growth in both the RoRo and container businesses.

The record performance builds on HIP's strong growth trajectory in 2025, when total cargo throughput surged 175% to 8.24 million metric tonnes. Container volumes increased more than eight-fold from 53,169 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, reinforcing the port's emergence as a rapidly expanding container hub alongside its established vehicle transhipment operations.

To support rising demand, HIP has continued investing in capacity expansion. Earlier this year, it doubled its RoRo yard capacity and expanded container yard space by 30%. The port has also committed US$108 million towards new container handling equipment as part of plans to increase annual container terminal capacity to 2 million TEUs.

The container business has maintained its momentum in 2026. In April, HIP recorded its highest single-vessel container handling volume after processing 13,260 TEUs from the MSC Marie Leslie, surpassing two previous vessel records set earlier this year.

Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from the main East-West shipping route, HIP handles RoRo, container, bulk and breakbulk cargo, in addition to marine and energy-related services. The latest throughput records further strengthen the port's position as an increasingly important regional maritime and logistics hub capable of responding to evolving global trade flows.