Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has clarified its vehicle storage policy following recent media reports, stressing that its priority is the efficient movement of cargo rather than earning revenue from storage charges. The port currently stores more than 50,000 vehicles, including transshipment and local import units. Of these, 1,278 vehicles have remained in the yard for more than three months, while 581 vehicles have been at the port for more than one year. All long-term vehicles belong to the local import sector. HIPG said about 400 of the vehicles were imported before Sri Lanka resumed vehicle imports in 2025. Another 175 date back to before the import restrictions introduced in 2020, while 178 have remained at the port since before HIPG took over operations in December 2017. The operator offers 10 days of free storage for import cargo and 21 days for transshipment cargo. Storage charges apply from the 11th and 22nd day, respectively. Before HIPG assumed management, customers received only three days of free storage. The port said documentation issues, banking procedures and financing arrangements often delay cargo clearance. These factors are beyond the port’s control and can reduce the space available for growing RoRo traffic. HIPG said storage charges are intended to encourage faster cargo clearance and efficient use of terminal space. They are not designed to generate revenue. The operator also highlighted that it granted demurrage waivers and storage concessions during Sri Lanka’s vehicle import restrictions and more recent disruptions affecting Gulf transshipment traffic. HIPG said it will continue working with Sri Lanka Customs, importers and other stakeholders to resolve long-standing vehicle storage cases while supporting the growth of Sri Lanka’s automotive logistics sector. The post Hambantota Port clarifies vehicle storage policy as RoRo volumes grow appeared first on Container News .