Key Port Facts
Sri Lanka Ports Authority with China Merchants Port (Hambantota International Port Group)
Fuel Grades Available at Hambantota
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Hambantota. Click any grade for full technical specifications.
Delivery Methods
- Barge — tank-farm supplied
Primary Anchorages
Hambantota anchorage (safe year-round)
Port Detail
Strategic location
Hambantota lies about 10 nautical miles off the trunk east–west route, on the maritime gateway to India, with roughly 300 ships passing daily. It offers safe anchorage throughout the year and is positioned to capture passing-trade bunker demand.
Market structure
The port operates a dedicated bunkering facility and tank farm — around 14 tanks with roughly 80,000 m³ of marine-fuel storage — connected to the oil terminal by pipeline. The bunker market is developing under the China Merchants–SLPA partnership.
Fuels
VLSFO and HSFO are the principal grades, with LSMGO available for auxiliary use. The port also handles LPG and liquid bulk.
Operational notes
The 17 m draft handles the largest vessels afloat, and year-round sheltered anchorage supports reliable operations. Nomination lead time typically 3–5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bunker at Hambantota instead of Colombo?
Hambantota sits closer to the open east–west lane and offers a 17 m draft with safe year-round anchorage, which suits larger vessels and passing trade. Colombo remains the larger, more established market; the two are complementary.
Does Hambantota have fuel storage?
Yes — the port has a dedicated bunker tank farm of around 14 tanks (~80,000 m³) connected to the oil terminal by pipeline, supporting in-port and offshore bunker delivery.