Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Al-Futtaim Logistics are exploring opportunities to strengthen their existing partnership, as ongoing disruptions to shipping across the Middle East have increased interest in Hambantota’s potential as an alternative transhipment hub for vehicles destined for Gulf markets.

The discussions took place during a courtesy visit to Hambantota International Port (HIP) by a delegation led by the Vice Chairman of Al-Futtaim Group, according to a statement from HIPG.

During the meeting, both sides explored ways to expand their commercial cooperation, particularly through the CASCADIA RoRo Feeder Service, which is expected to enhance Hambantota’s connectivity with key markets across the Gulf region.

Alongside discussions on operational cooperation, the delegation also expressed interest in potential investment opportunities at the port. In response, HIP officials outlined prospects across the port’s operations and industrial park, welcoming the possibility of further commercial engagement.

The discussions come against the backdrop of Al-Futtaim’s recently published white paper, Resilience in Motion, which highlights Hambantota as one of three alternative port gateways that helped sustain regional automotive supply chains following shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026. The report also identifies Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and Port Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman as key alternative gateways.

The growing importance of these alternative routes provides a broader context for the discussions, as HIPG and Al-Futtaim Logistics look to build on their existing relationship and explore opportunities to strengthen vehicle supply-chain connectivity between Asia and Gulf markets.