Hambantota International Port (HIP) has completed its first commercial ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operation for liquid cargo, marking another major milestone in the port’s expanding capabilities. The operation, carried out in collaboration with Singapore-based company Shipload Maritime to facilitate Laugfs vessel ‘Gas Challenger,’ highlights HIP’s commitment to becoming a key player in liquid cargo handling within the region.
In this landmark operation, HIP facilitated the transfer of 3,170 metric tons (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from vessel IVAN6 to vessel GAS CHALLENGER, the latter operated by Laugfs Holdings. This operation comes at a crucial time, as LPG demand continues to outpace supply, and the transfer was expedited to support distribution to the Laugfs facility in Colombo.
The partnership with Shipload Maritime enables HIP to offer STS services that were previously only accessible in the Maldives in this region. HIP’s STS services now make Sri Lanka a viable alternative for liquid cargo transfers, opening up a new chapter for the port whose expanding service offerings continue to meet growing needs of the region’s energy and cargo sectors.
“Partnering with industry leaders like Shipload Maritime and Laugfs has allowed us to safely and efficiently complete this operation. Although HIP is already an expert in liquid cargo handling since 2021, we view this as the beginning of the port’s STS liquid cargo handling journey,” says Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager of Commercial & Marketing, Hambantota International Port Group. “As demand for LPG and other liquid cargoes increase, HIP stands ready to support the needs of our clients with efficient, cost-effective solutions in line with various operational models available globally.”
Commenting on this latest first by the port, CEO of HIPG, Wilson Qu, said HIPG will continue to innovate and progress for the country’s benefit. “HIPG is working tirelessly to uplift Sri Lanka’s image internationally by facilitating all types of operations safely and cost-effectively. Our goal is to position Sri Lanka high on the world maritime map.”
This first successful STS operation reiterates HIP’s role as a fast-emerging logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, with an expanding range of services designed to meet regional and international demands.