Sri Lanka, Sept. 7 -- Hambantota International Port (HIP) has received NYK Line's Azalea Leader, marking the vessel's maiden call at the port in August.

The Azalea Leader is a 200-metre-long, next-generation pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) powered by LNG dual-fuel technology.

Built in 2026 and operating under the Liberian flag, the vessel can transport up to 4,810 vehicles, along with a further 47 units designated for local discharge.

Its overall maximum capacity is approximately 7,000 vehicle units.

The vessel is also equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology on its main engine, a system designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and improve the ship's environmental performance.

The latest vessel call comes a...