In the first quarter of 2023, Europe’s busiest port saw container throughput drop 11.5% by weight to 31.5 million tonnes and 11.6% by volume to 3.2 million TEUs – a decline that began in 2022 as the ongoing war in Ukraine impacted trade flows.

Hambantota International Port is taking advantage of its location in east-west shipping lanes to grow its capacity in the transhipment of vehicles. An official says RORO volumes have grown over the past few years. The port has started setting up charging stations and special towing equipment for EV cargo. Credit: HAMBANTOTA