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, who 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, which was a great cost saving for the company. “The port maintained high levels of productivity and efficiency, providing a streamlined service in handling our shipment. While the operation was a cost saving for the company, this in turn helps us in contributing more to the economy. This cooperation with Hambantota Port is one we intend to continue.”
Ajith Gunasekara Deputy General Manager Sales and Marketing of Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers said, “We need to keep searching for innovative and cost effective freight options during this extremely volatile global logistics era in order to be competitive. This is a great initiative between HIP and Dutch Lanka as this route has never been used by Sri Lankan exporters before.”
Lance Zuo continues to say that the port’s reputation for productivity and efficiency has grown and it is fast becoming a preferred choice for most shipping lines. “This shipment for Dutch Lanka is another step in our drive to encourage local exports to go out from HIP to the rest of the world. We have plans to continue our cooperation with Dutch Lanka and look into the possibility of creating more viable options in terms of cost effective logistics.”
The Hambantota International Port Group is moving fast to affirm HIP’s position as the gateway port for the Southern hinterland. The port operator says as more and more industries integrate and a smoother supply chain is developed, they intend to penetrate the local export trade with a cost effective logistics solution.
