First STS operation for liquid cargo at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota Port Completes First Major Liquid Cargo Transfer, Boosting Sri Lanka's Maritime Presence
Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently achieved a major milestone by completing its first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquid cargo. This event marks an important step forward for the port’s capabilities in handling liquid cargo in the region. The successful operation involved the transfer of 3,170 metric tons (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the vessel IVAN6 to the vessel GAS CHALLENGER, which is operated by Laugfs Holdings.
A Big First for Hambantota Port
This historic operation was carried out with the help of Shipload Maritime, a well-known company based in Singapore. The transfer supports Laugfs Holdings by delivering LPG to their facility in Colombo. This move is especially timely because demand for LPG is currently higher than the available supply, and this quick transfer was crucial for keeping up with the needs of the market.
New Opportunities for the Region
The successful completion of this operation positions HIP as a serious contender in the liquid cargo industry. Before this achievement, such STS transfers were mostly carried out in the Maldives, but now HIP offers these services as well. This development opens up new opportunities for liquid cargo transfers in Sri Lanka and positions the country as an alternative hub for such operations in the region.
HIP has been managing liquid cargo since 2021, and this latest project sets the stage for future STS operations. “We have worked with trusted industry partners like Shipload Maritime and Laugfs to make this happen,” said Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager of Commercial & Marketing at HIP. “Even though we have experience in handling liquid cargo, this STS operation is a big step in our journey. We’re prepared to meet the growing demand for LPG and other liquid products with efficient and cost-effective services.”
Aiming to Put Sri Lanka on the Map
Wilson Qu, CEO of the Hambantota International Port Group, expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting the team’s dedication to making Sri Lanka a key player in the maritime industry. “Our goal is to make Sri Lanka known worldwide as a reliable and efficient maritime hub,” said Qu. “We are continuously working to ensure that operations at HIP are carried out safely, efficiently, and affordably.”
A New Chapter for HIP
The successful transfer of LPG between IVAN6 and GAS CHALLENGER is not just a milestone but a sign of more to come. HIP’s growing services are designed to meet the increasing demands of the energy and cargo sectors in the Indian Ocean. This STS operation is a step forward in HIP’s mission to become a leading logistics hub, serving both regional and international needs.
HIP’s achievement is not only significant for the port but also for Sri Lanka’s image as a rising maritime power. By broadening its range of services, HIP is paving the way for more maritime traffic and investment in the region.
