Concessions for vehicles routed though H’tota Port

As a measure to ease the long berthing delays experienced at the Colombo Port, the SLPA has in consultation with shipping lines and importers decided to route all such vessels though the Hambantota Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port(MRMR Port) with effect from May 31 , 2012.

Vehicle parking yards in the Colombo Port have become congested due to the large influx of imports in spite of the SLPA releasing many underutilized areas for vehicle parking. In addition, used vehicle importers fail to clear their vehicles expeditiously from the port, in spite of the SLPA increasing rental charges recently.

On the other hand new vehicle importers are given the opportunity of clearing their consignments without delays by taking direct delivery. Vehicles being stowed within the port for long durations have caused much inconvenience for the efficient functioning of this vital sector and in addition safety of the vehicles are also being compromised.

Due to the non availability of berthing facilities at the Colombo Port, vessels experience delays of more than ten days and as a result freight rates have been increased by the lines which in turn add to the cost of the selling price of a vehicle in the local market. The situation also results in a reluctance of the shipping lines to enter Colombo.

Hambantota MRMR Port has hence been identified as the most suitable alternative, with simplified clearing arrangements and ample parking areas with dedicated terminals and other facilities.

In addition to already announced concessions granted to any type of vessel calling at the MRMR Port by the SLPA, importers of vehicles are being afforded special concessions. The prompt berthing of vessels, ample secure parking facilities would assure speedy turnaround of vessels.

With such attractive concessions being afforded, it is expected that all vehicle importers will avail themselves of this facility at Hambantota. The SLPA is vigorously campaigning to establish the MRMR Port as a preferred transshipment hub for vehicles and attractive incentives are being afforded to shipping lines to avail themselves of this facility too. The vast areas available for parking of vehicles will be an added boost for the transshipment trade. The additional safety and security precautions there will also result in towards the maximum standards of reducing damages.