Sri Lanka: Hambantota port says focused on fast cargo clearance amid reports of vehicle backlog

COLOMBO: (Jul 28) Hambantota International Port, which Sri Lanka leased to China, said it remains focused on maintaining its position as a regional roll-on/roll-off transhipment hub by ensuring rapid cargo clearance and minimising storage time, amid reports of a backlog of imported vehicles at the port.

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), which manages the mega transit hub, issued the clarification on Monday after media reports claimed that more than 1,000 imported vehicles were lying uncleared due to importers’ inability to complete documentation and pay port-related charges.

“Ports are designed to facilitate cargo movement, not to serve as long-term vehicle storage yards. Every vehicle that remains in the port for months or years occupies valuable operational space required to handle new cargo and support the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s automotive logistics sector,” HIPG said in a press release.

Source: PTI News

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