Hong Kong to Colombo shipping route.

Ships leaving Hong Kong for Colombo head west and cover a sea distance of 3,038 nautical miles (5,626 km), via Strait of Malacca. The straight line between the ports is 4,053 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.

At sea, the voyage lasts 10.5 days at 12 knots, 9.0 days at 14 knots and 7.0 days at 18 knots. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Hong Kong and Colombo to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Sunda Strait, 3,678 nautical miles, 640 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Hong Kong to Colombo move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Colombo (LKCMB) carriers give about 5 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 63 port to port routes from Hong Kong in this directory, Colombo is the 17th shortest. Closer destinations include Tanjung Priok (1,793 nm), Port Klang (1,718 nm) and Tokyo (1,602 nm).