The bunkering facilities at Ruhunu Magampura International Port in Hambantota are ready for commercial operations.

Chief engineer of the port, A.H. Geeganage told the media that the bunkering facilities at the Hambantota sea port, set up at a cost of US$ 76.5 million, are ready and the tank farm has commenced operations.

Construction of the tank farm and bunkering facilities were started in October 2009 and completed last year. Han Quin Engineering Construction Company of China was the contractor for the tank farm.

According to the official, out of the 14 tanks it has, eight tanks will be used to store marine fuel, three will store aviation fuel and three remaining tanks will be used to store liquid petroleum.

The aviation fuel stored in the Hambantota Port is to be used for the Mattala Airport, the second international airport currently being built in Hambantota.

The fuel stored for ships is to be pumped for east bound ships from the Hambantota Port.

According to Geeganage, ships that obtain fuel from Singapore could now use the Hambantota Port for refueling.