HIPG sees stronger opportunities as container shipping’s return to Suez gathers pace

Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has welcomed the prospect of a sustained return of container shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, saying the recovery of the main East–West shipping corridor could strengthen Hambantota’s commercial position as it prepares to increase annual container handling capacity to two million TEUs in the first quarter of 2027.

The assessment follows maritime consultancy Linerlytica’s October 2026 outlook, which forecasts a full-scale return of container shipping to the Suez route by the first quarter of 2027. The return is already progressing service by service, although its pace remains subject to security conditions and individual carriers’ operating decisions.

Bindu Ranasinghe, HIPG’s General Manager – Commercial and Marketing, said that while Red Sea disruption had accelerated Hambantota port’s entry into container transhipment, a sustained return to the established route could create a larger opportunity for its next stage of growth.

“The Red Sea disruption advanced our container project. Congestion in Colombo Port created a requirement for additional capacity, and we began accommodating overflow cargo with the resources available to us in April 2024,” Ranasinghe said. “That experience encouraged us to proceed with a full-scale operation and further investment. With expanded capacity coming into place, we welcome the prospect of shipping returning more fully to the Suez route.”

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →