The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has announced a transformative investment of US$41 million to enhance its operational capacity with cutting-edge crane technology.
Scheduled to be fully operational by January 2025, this upgrade includes the installation of four Quay Cranes (QCs) and 13 Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Sri Lankan port, boosting its container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually.
The Quay Cranes, which arrived aboard vessel De Qiang 66 on 30 November, feature a Twinlift 65m outreach and impressive load capabilities—50 tons for single handling, 65 tons for tandem lifting, and 75 tons on the underhook beam.
In addition, these cranes offer a lifting height of 42 metres above the rail and 20 metres below the rail. Meanwhile, the RTGs, delivered by the vessel Feng Hai Da on the same day, have a span of 23.47 metres, a base distance of 6.9 metres, a lifting height of 1-over-5, and a single-handling capacity of 41 tons. Designed to support green port initiatives, the new cranes are equipped with advanced automation systems and anti-collision technology, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
“Our investment in these new cranes will considerably enhance HIP’s container handling capabilities, positioning us as a fully-fledged multipurpose port for Sri Lanka,” stated Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG.
These additions complement HIP’s existing equipment, which includes two QCs, three RTGs, four Reach Stackers, and three Empty Stackers. The new cranes are expected to be commissioned within two months, marking a significant milestone in HIP’s expansion.
Qu added: “This capacity building is crucial for our transshipment operations and will attract potential investors looking to establish manufacturing plants in our industrial zone. We already have several inquiries in regard to the setting up of manufacturing plants in the port’s industrial zone. In addition to that, our marketing team is committed to promoting these developments globally to engage the right partners for our initiatives.”
HIPG’s CEO noted that upcoming feeder services between Hambantota and the other major port in Sri Lanka, Colombo, will strengthen the coastal shipping network. Integrating HIP’s enhanced capacity with the nation’s overall infrastructure is set to boost cargo movement efficiency, supporting the nation’s goal of handling 10 million TEUs by 2025–2026.
