In a significant move to enhance its bunkering services, Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully integrated High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) into its range of marine fuels in January 2025. This new addition rounds out HIP’s fuel offerings, now including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO/MDO). This expansion strengthens Sri Lanka’s position within the global maritime landscape, enabling HIP to serve a wider range of vessels passing through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
“We are pleased to announce the full operational launch of our HSFO bunkering facility, marking a key step toward realizing our vision of becoming a leading global maritime hub,” said Wilson Qu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “With our expanding service offerings and growing reputation for operational excellence, HIP is positioning itself as a critical player in the future of maritime trade and fuel supply. This expansion not only diversifies our services but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s role as a key maritime player in the Indian Ocean region.”
The newly operational HSFO facility includes a 6,000 cubic meter storage capacity, divided into two dedicated tanks at the port’s oil tank farm. A specialized pumping system, capable of transferring 400 metric tons per hour, facilitates fast and efficient fuel delivery. Additionally, the facility is equipped with advanced monitoring and remote-control systems to ensure precise and safe operations. This will offer significant convenience to ship owners using scrubbers who prefer HSFO for its cost-effectiveness and compliance with IMO 2020 sulfur cap regulations.
As part of the launch, HIP successfully discharged 5,000 metric tons of HSFO and 20,000 metric tons of VLSFO from the vessel Grand Ace 10 between January 30 and February 1, 2025. This marked the operational unveiling of HIP’s new HSFO bunkering infrastructure, setting the stage for greater fuel diversity in the region.
Strategically located along one of the busiest maritime routes between Europe and Asia, HIP provides vessels with a crucial refueling stop. The addition of HSFO to the port’s fuel offerings enables HIP to accommodate a wider spectrum of vessels, from large tankers to smaller cargo ships, each requiring different grades of fuel.
HIP’s collaboration with Sinopec, a global leader in energy, ensures the delivery of high-quality and reliable marine fuels. The port’s operational excellence is also certified by Lloyd’s Register (LR), a leading global authority in maritime classification. In 2022, HIP received its Fitness for Service (FSS) certification, further demonstrating its commitment to safety and compliance.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Hambantota International Port remains focused on innovation, infrastructure, and quality. This development underscores HIP’s commitment to addressing the ever-changing needs of the global shipping industry, boosting its competitiveness, and contributing to the economic growth of Sri Lanka.
Original article by Hambantota International Port