MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka's China-backed Hambantota Port Group (HIPG) says vehicle transhipment volumes to the Middle East is growing and the latest hi-tch roll-on roll-off vessels are calling.
Azalea Leader, an LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) from NYK Line made its maiden call at the port carrying 4,810 vehicles for transhipment and 47 for local discharge.
It has exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology on its main engine to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
"NYK operates regular services connecting Singapore and Hambantota, with Azalea Leader assigned to the route for this voyage," HIPG said in a statement.
"Its call comes as vehicle volumes routed through Hambantota to markets in the Middle East have grown significantly, reinforcing the port’s strategic position connecting automotive supply chains across Asia and the Middle East."
No numbers were given. Hambantota is also used to route vehicles to East Africa.
"The maiden call of Azalea Leader is significant because we are increasingly seeing shipping lines deploy their newest and most sophisticated vessels through Hambantota," HIPG Chief Executive Wilson Qu said in a statement.
"It demonstrates the pivotal role HIP is developing in the regional RoRo sector and showcases the potential of the port as automotive volumes moving through Hambantota continue to grow."
The call of Azalea Leader demonstrated the port’s ability to accommodate large new generation, technologically advanced vehicle carriers now being introduced into global fleets, the port said. (Colombo/Sept07/2026)