Sri Lanka, Jan. 11 -- Hambantota International Port (HIP) closed 2025 with a landmark performance, recording a 175% year-on-year increase in total cargo volumes despite what has been widely recognised as one of the most challenging years for the global port industry.
HIP handled 8.24 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes in 2024, driven by sharp growth across container, RORO, and bulk cargo segments amid volatile trade flows, supply chain realignments, congestion pressures, and rising operating costs worldwide.
The most dramatic gains came from container traffic. Volumes surged from 53,170 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while containerised cargo tonnage rose from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 mil...