Hambantota Port reaffirms gateway status in major breakthrough with first shipment of trailer exports

First set of trailers safely stored inside the main deck of the vessel 

• New era for local manufacturers of cost-effective shipping methods to reach respective markets
• Dutch Lanka commends HIP for cost-effective, streamlined service in handling shipment

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently facilitated the shipment of locally manufactured trailers, marking the beginning of its services to the local exporters as a gateway port.

“The master plan of the HIP clearly spells out supporting the development of local industries servicing overseas markets. This shipment for Dutch Lanka Trailers emphasises HIP’s position as Sri Lanka’s gateway port and flags a new era for local manufacturers in terms of cost-effective methods to reach their respective markets,” HIP General Manager Commercial and Marketing Lance Zuo said.Dutch Lanka Trailers, which usually ships its volumes on flat beds via container vessels, opted to make its current shipment via a RORO carrier calling at HIP. The vessel Hestia Leader, carrying 10 units of Dutch Lanka trailers left on 26 October, headed for a Caribbean Island – US via the Port of Ennore.

Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) Chief Operating Officer Tissa Wickramasinghe said: “The Hambantota International Port is well equipped to handle such cargo and has an advanced Turburg tractor which makes it more convenient for the shipper. Higher freight rate charges on container vessels and congestion faced by other ports in handling containerised cargo, makes HIP the better choice for such shipments. Shipping this kind of cargo via RORO vessel is becoming more of a trend because of its cost effectiveness for the shipper and we are looking to explore this new opportunity further.” 

Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers Director Prasanna Haturusinghe congratulated HIP and Dutch Lanka Teams for the achievement and said the operation of discharging and loading was completed smoothly and the vessel sailed well ahead of the estimated time, which was a great cost saving for the company.  

“The port maintained high levels of productivity and efficiency, providing a streamlined service in handling our shipment.  While the operation was a cost saving for the company, this in turn helps us in contributing more to the economy. This cooperation with Hambantota Port is one we intend to continue,” he added.

Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers Deputy General Manager Sales and Marketing Ajith Gunasekara said: “We need to keep searching for innovative and cost-effective freight options during this extremely volatile global logistics era in order to be competitive. This is a great initiative between HIP and Dutch Lanka as this route has never been used by Sri Lankan exporters before.” 

Zuo said that the port’s reputation for productivity and efficiency has grown, and it is fast becoming a preferred choice for most shipping lines. 

“This shipment for Dutch Lanka is another step in our drive to encourage local exports to go out from HIP to the rest of the world. We have plans to continue our cooperation with Dutch Lanka and look into the possibility of creating more viable options in terms of cost-effective logistics,” he said. 

The Hambantota International Port Group is moving fast to affirm HIP’s position as the gateway port for the Southern hinterland.  The port operator says as more and more industries integrate and a smoother supply chain is developed, they intend to penetrate the local export trade with a cost-effective logistics solution.