Hambantota International Port records 175% cargo growth in 2025
Total cargo rose to 8.24 million tonnes in 2025, driven by sharp growth in container and RORO volumes.
Hambantota International Port recorded a remarkable 175 % year-on-year growth in total cargo volumes in 2025, handling 8.24 million metric tonnes, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes in 2024. The growth came despite a challenging year for the global port industry.
The most significant increase was seen in container traffic. Container volumes rose sharply from 53,170 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while containerised cargo tonnage climbed from 657,504 metric tonnes to 5.43 million metric tonnes, showing the port’s rapid emergence as an important container gateway.
The port said its Phase II expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This will increase annual container handling capacity to around 2 million TEUs by adding four dedicated container berths and new equipment, including six quay cranes and sixteen rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
Other cargo types also posted solid gains. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) units handled rose to 726,153 in 2025 from 579,362 a year earlier, with RORO tonnage increasing by 25 %. Bulk and break-bulk cargo volumes grew 32 % to 1.18 million metric tonnes. Oil and gas volumes were broadly stable at 661,131 metric tonnes.
Wilson Qu, Chief Executive Officer of Hambantota International Port Group, said the performance was achieved amid global disruption and reflected confidence from customers, operational flexibility, and strong marketing efforts.
The port entered 2026 with strong momentum and said it remained focused on sustaining growth and supporting trade, industry and regional economic development.
