Al-Futtaim Logistics is exploring opportunities to expand its business relationship with Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), including potential investments in port operations and the port’s industrial park.
The discussions took place during a visit to Hambantota International Port (HIP) by a delegation led by the Vice Chairman of Al-Futtaim Group. The two sides discussed expanding their existing business ties, with particular attention to vehicle shipping connections with Gulf markets.
The discussions also covered the CASCADIA RoRo Feeder Service, which connects Hambantota with vehicle supply chains serving the region. Beyond the scheduled agenda, the Al-Futtaim delegation expressed interest in investment opportunities at the port.
HIPG officials welcomed the interest and outlined opportunities across the port’s operations and industrial park.
Hambantota’s role in vehicle shipping to Gulf markets
Al-Futtaim’s interest comes as shipping disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the need for alternative routes to Gulf markets.
The company’s recently published white paper, Resilience in Motion, identifies Hambantota as one of three alternative gateways used to maintain regional automotive supply chains following the disruption in March 2026.
The other two gateways were Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and Port Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman.
According to Al-Futtaim, these three routes collectively moved more than 25,000 finished vehicles into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The alternative routes helped maintain vehicle supplies to dealers across these markets. They also supported automotive manufacturers in returning to full production capacity.
However, the figure represents the combined contribution of all three gateways. It does not represent the number of vehicles handled by Hambantota alone.
Hambantota’s inclusion in this network shows how ports outside an area affected by shipping disruption can support alternative delivery arrangements.
The CASCADIA RoRo Feeder Service forms part of this connection. Launched on 9 June 2026, the service links Hambantota with onward vehicle supply chains serving Gulf markets.
CASCADIA operates the service as a Canada-headquartered maritime logistics specialist. The company also has regional operations in major trade centres, including Dubai. Its business supports vehicle movements across international markets.
Al-Futtaim examines wider logistics opportunities
Al-Futtaim’s Resilience in Motion white paper also highlights the importance of planning for shipping disruptions before they occur.
It examines how alternative shipping routes, shipment visibility and coordination across customs and regulatory systems can help maintain supply chains.
The report describes how the alternative corridors were brought into operation within weeks. It also highlights the role of local capabilities in supporting the response.
These findings provide wider business context for the discussions between Al-Futtaim Logistics and HIPG.
For logistics providers and automotive businesses, access to alternative shipping routes can help maintain deliveries when established routes face disruption. In addition, stronger connections between ports and regional markets can support more flexible vehicle distribution networks.
Al-Futtaim Logistics is part of the Dubai-headquartered Al-Futtaim Group. It provides integrated logistics services across several sectors, including automotive finished vehicles, aerospace, retail, and food and beverage.
Its international reach extends to more than 150 countries through its network of strategic partners.
The discussions with HIPG now provide an opportunity to explore how the existing business relationship could expand. Potential areas include vehicle shipping connections, port operations and industrial park opportunities.
However, no investment agreement, project value or implementation timeline has been disclosed.
For Hambantota International Port, the discussions come as its role in alternative vehicle shipping routes gains attention from a major regional logistics group.
Last modified: November 6, 2026
