Dredging underway at Hambantota International Port

Earlier this month, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka commenced maintenance dredging operations in order to restore the harbor’s original depth.

The dredging, undertaken by HIP to ensure the continued safe navigation of vessels, began in early February and is expected to be completed in approximately two months. This project will return the harbor to its declared specifications by restoring its navigational channel and harbor basin.

The port embarked on the dredging following a comprehensive bathymetric survey to accurately map current silt levels throughout the harbor. This survey enabled the project team to identify precise areas that required dredging.

Once the survey was complete, a tender process was called for, and the most suitable contractor was assigned to execute the specialized work.

After the dredging is finished, another bathymetric survey will be conducted to verify that the harbor’s declared depths are successfully restored.