COLOMBO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Hambantota International Port will revitalize its container operations with a 41-million-U.S.-dollar crane upgrade, set to be fully operational by January 2025, the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) said in a press statement on Monday.
The enhancement includes the installation of four quay cranes and 13 rubber-tired gantry cranes at the port, expanding its capabilities to a handling capacity of 1 million 20-foot equivalent units, the HIPG said.
The group said these modern quay cranes and rubber-tired gantry cranes are built to meet green port initiatives and have advanced automation systems and anti-collision technology, ensuring high efficiency and safety during operations.
The HIPG said that this capacity building was necessary for its transshipment operations and would attract potential investors looking to establish manufacturing plants in the HIPG's industrial zone, adding that feeder services between Hambantota and Colombo are to be established soon, and that will enhance the coastal shipping network.
The addition of its capacity to the nation's overall capacity will improve cargo movement efficiency, bringing Sri Lanka closer to its goal of handling 10 million TEUs between 2025 and 2026, the HIPG said. ■
