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

“The master plan of the Hambantota International Port clearly spells out supporting the development of Sri Lankan industries servicing overseas markets. This shipment for Dutch Lanka Trailers emphasizes 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,” says Lance Zuo- General Manager Commercial and Marketing.

Dutch Lanka Trailers, that usually ship their 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 the 26th of October, headed for a Caribbean Island – USA via the Port of Ennore.

Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) says, “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 containerized 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.”

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