COLOMBO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Hambantota International Port (HIP) is prepared to support the expected surge in vehicle imports following the recent lifting of Sri Lanka's import ban, HIP Group (HIPG) said in a statement on Monday.

Since 2018, the HIP's Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) volumes have grown significantly, from 238,997 units to 579,362 units in 2024, said Wilson Qu, CEO of the HIPG, commenting on the port's readiness.

"This impressive increase is testament to the port's expanding capacity to manage large volumes of vehicle imports and its position as a central hub for Sri Lanka's automotive supply chain," he said.

To streamline vehicle imports, the HIP has established a range of specialized facilities, including a dedicated customs inspection bay, a new facility with 24/7 CCTV and illumination where vehicles undergo physical checks to ensure compliance with local standards, the HIPG said.

Vehicles awaiting clearance or inspection are securely stored, while temporary storage is made available for import vehicles, the statement said.

The HIP also provides basic facilities for wharf clerks and importers who visit the port for the clearance process. Additionally, the HIP's Vehicle Processing Stations handle the necessary paperwork for the release of vehicles, ensuring a seamless experience for importers, it said.

The port's newly designed vehicle import yard, with a storage capacity for at least approximately 4,000 vehicles, is designed to manage both local and transshipment vehicles efficiently, the HIPG said. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)