Hambantota Port Completes First STS Liquid Cargo Transfer in a Major Milestone
By: Staff Writer
November 18, Colombo (LNW): Hambantota International Port (HIP) has successfully completed its maiden commercial ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo-an operation viewed as a significant milestone in the port’s ever-growing list of achievements.
It was in cooperation with Singapore-based Shipload Maritime and HIP facilitated the transfer for the Laugfs vessel ‘GAS CHALLENGER’ – demonstrating its ambition to be a key regional player within the liquid cargo market.
In this notable engagement, HIP undertook a transfer of 3,170 MT of LPG from vessel IVAN6 to its vessel, the GAS CHALLENGER, which is on charter by Laugfs Holdings. This transfer has been done upon the growing demand for LPG that has surpassed supply and to ensure a swift distribution to its Colombo facility, Laugfs.
Through collaboration with Shipload Maritime, HIP is in a position to offer intra-region STS services, currently offered in the Maldives. It positions Sri Lanka as a viable option for liquid cargo transfers, marking a new chapter in port service development to meet the ever-growing regional demands of energy and cargo markets.
Bindu Ranasinghe, HIP Group Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, said, “Partnership with industry leaders like Shipload Maritime and Laugfs enabled us to carry out this operation in the most safe and efficient manner.
While HIP has been competent in handling liquid cargo since 2021, this is considered the beginning of our STS liquid cargo journey.”
As demand for LPG and other liquid cargo grows steadily, HIP is ready to provide efficient and cost-effective services that benchmark with international operational standards.
HIPG CEO, Wilson Qu elaborated on the determination of the port towards innovation: “HIPG is working relentlessly to elevate Sri Lanka’s global maritime standing by handling diverse operations securely and cost-efficiently. Our aim is to secure Sri Lanka’s prominence on the global maritime stage.”
This first-ever STS operation reminds one that HIP indeed stands out for being a rapidly developing logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, with an ever-widening portfolio of services tailored towards regional and international needs.
