Posted on March 3, 2025
Hambantota International Port (HIP) in Sri Lanka began undergoing maintenance dredging earlier this month in order to restore the harbour’s original depth.
The operation undertaken by HIP to ensure the continued safe navigation of vessels is scheduled to be completed in approximately two months. This project will return the harbour to its declared specifications by restoring its navigational channel and harbour basin.
“HIP has a declared depth of 17 metres below sea level in the Navigation Channel,” said Captain Ravi Jayawickreme, CEO of Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS). “However, silt deposition has reduced these depths in certain locations over time.
“Routine maintenance dredging is essential to preserve operational efficiency and safety standards, hence the need for dredging and restoring our declared depths. This will ensure that we continue to accommodate large vessels safely and efficiently.”
The port commenced the dredging operation 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 specialised work.
“The bathymetric survey carried out with the Sri Lanka Navy‘s Hydrogaphy Service last year identified the silted areas in isolated patches,” said Datta Gunasekara, Chief Specialist Engineering of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
“The maintenance dredging operation was then planned with necessary statutory approvals, further tests on water and sediment quality and precautionary measures to ensure safe navigation, emergency preparedness and environmental protection.”
All necessary environmental permits were secured for both dredging and sea dumping at a location 11 nautical miles away from the shoreline. The process is continuously monitored by the port control unit of HIP to ensure safety and meet statutory requirements.
“The dumping activity, which is being carried out without any interference [on] fishing activity in the neighbouring area, is a continuous operation with intermittent stoppages to allow safe ship navigation,” added Gunasekara.
The contractor will use a modern grab dredger to collect the silt and load it onto hopper barges.
“Although the port’s daily operations in general will be two dredging cycles, we will adjust the schedule as and when necessary to accommodate incoming vessels and ensure their safe passage,” said Gunasekara.
The port has also conducted preliminary tests confirming that the dredged material is composed primarily of sand and mud with no harmful substances.
Once the dredging work is complete, another bathymetric survey will be conducted to verify that the harbour’s declared depths are successfully restored.
