Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Logistics are exploring opportunities to expand their business relationship, with recent shipping disruptions in the Middle East highlighting Hambantota’s potential as an alternative gateway for vehicle shipments to Gulf markets.

The discussions took place during a visit to Hambantota International Port (HIP) by a delegation led by the Vice Chairman of Al-Futtaim Group. Talks focused on strengthening commercial ties and expanding the role of the CASCADIA RoRo Feeder Service in connecting Hambantota with regional automotive supply chains.

The delegation also expressed interest in investment opportunities at the port, including its operational facilities and industrial park.

Hambantota’s growing significance in regional vehicle logistics was highlighted in Al-Futtaim’s recently published white paper, Resilience in Motion, which identified the port as one of three alternative gateways used to maintain automotive supply chains following shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026.

The other gateways were Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and Port Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman. According to the white paper, the three routes collectively facilitated the movement of more than 25,000 finished vehicles to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, helping maintain dealer inventories and enabling automotive manufacturers to restore production capacity.

The figure represents the combined contribution of all three gateways and not Hambantota’s individual throughput.

The CASCADIA RoRo Feeder Service, launched on June 9, 2026, is part of Hambantota’s efforts to strengthen its connectivity with Gulf markets. Operated by Canada-headquartered maritime logistics specialist CASCADIA, the service supports the movement of finished vehicles through international shipping networks.

The Al-Futtaim white paper highlights the importance of contingency planning, shipment visibility and coordination across different customs and regulatory systems in maintaining supply chains during periods of disruption.

The latest discussions signal potential for deeper commercial and investment cooperation between HIPG and Al-Futtaim as regional logistics operators seek more resilient transport networks.

Al-Futtaim Logistics, part of the Al-Futtaim Group, provides integrated logistics services across the automotive, aerospace, retail, and food and beverage sectors, with a global reach extending to more than 150 countries through strategic network partners.