Rank Container Terminals to invest Rs. 1bn in HIP’s inspection yard

Rank Container Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (RCT) has entered into a partnership with Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) to develop a dedicated Container Cargo Inspection Yard within the port premises, with an investment of Rs. 1 billion.

The new facility will function as a centralised inspection point for all local import and export containers handled through the Hambantota International Port (HIP). The project is designed to strengthen the port’s position as a primary logistics gateway for the Southern province while enhancing operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

The developer plans to integrate modern technology and infrastructure, working in close collaboration with Sri Lanka Customs and other relevant government agencies involved in the inspection process.

Speaking on the strategic relevance of the project, RCT Chairman Ravi Wijeratne noted that the facility is primarily targeted at servicing the southern hinterland of Sri Lanka. He highlighted that as the Colombo Port faces capacity pressures, HIP can alleviate the strain by offering an efficient alternative for container handling and inspection.

HIPG CEO Wilson Qu stated that the extension of the container yard aligns with the original master plan for Hambantota. He emphasised that the development strengthens the port’s capacity to meet regional logistical demands and positions HIP as a key enabler of trade and industrial growth in the South. Founded in 1994, RCT operates a leading inland clearance depot in Colombo and is recognized as a pioneer in import inspection facilities. The company is currently the largest terminal operator in the country to host key regulatory bodies, including Sri Lanka Customs, in-house. RCT aims to replicate this “one-stop-shop” model in Hambantota to streamline cargo movement and minimize logistical bottlenecks.

The development comes as the Hambantota International Port continues to diversify its portfolio. Already established as a major hub for Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) and energy services, the port is increasingly positioning itself as a multi-purpose maritime hub, connecting industrial, automotive, and container operations within an integrated ecosystem.