Hambantota International Port ventures into container operations with MSC

•  Move set to enhance Sri Lanka’s position in marine connectivity index in region
•  HIP eyes expanding investment in equipment and other infrastructure facilities
•  HIP commends Shipping Minister’s decision to grant shipping connectivity between HIP and Colombo Port

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has ventured into container transshipment operations, partnering with Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).  
Container ship MV MSC Ingrid made her maiden call at the HIP on Tuesday, discharging over 500 TEUs, originating from Rotterdam Port, via the east-west shipping route. The transshipment cargo is scheduled to reach the final destination Dubai, through container vessel MSC Sky 11, which is expected to call at the port on April 16.
The move is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s position in the marine connectivity index in the South Asian region.
With this milestone, the HIP is now looking at further investments to reach the full potential of the multi-purpose port. “With MSC’s collaborative partnership, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) will now look at expanding our investment in equipment and other infrastructure facilities, enabling us to service larger vessels on the east-west shipping route,” HIPG CEO and China Merchants Group Chief Representative Johnson Liu said.
Accordingly, plans are underway to make optimal use of the HIP’s strategic location, capacity and expertise, to deliver the full potential of the port, which in turn would enhance Sri Lanka’s regional hub status.
MSC emphasised that the global shipping giant is evaluating the available best options, in order to be flexible in providing the best services to its customers, given the current developments in shipping.
The introduction of container services through the HIP is also set to become a boost to the port’s Industrial Zone.
“The introduction of container services through the HIP will be a major boost to investors in the Port Industrial Zone, who will now benefit from directly importing their raw material requirements for production and the export of their finished products directly through the HIP – thus making the HIP a gateway and transshipment port,” HIPG COO Tissa Wickremasinghe said.
Meanwhile, Liu thanked Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva for the support and cooperation extended to the HIP, in granting the required approval and giving the necessary direction to his officials to facilitate the shipping connectivity between the HIP and Port of Colombo. 
“Through this approval, local importers and exporters would be able to make direct shipments and/or transshipment of cargo to and from the HIP to the Port of Colombo and vice versa. Given the climate change environmental concerns in the logistics and supply chain industry, the shipping connectivity between the two ports will make a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to road transport,” HIPG pointed out.
MSC Director Operations and Regional Operations Manager Colombo, representing MSC Geneva, Shamal Perera also commended the connectivity between the HIP and Port of Colombo as a futuristic move.
The HIP has placed itself in an ideal position to provide sought-after solutions needed by the industry. The port is currently developing on five silos, to ensure enhanced service value and necessary synergies, while placing emphasis on stringent rules for health and safety.