SIMIC

The multi-purpose logistics and port centre, located in Prek Tnaot commune, will be built on a 600ha plot of seafront land with water depth of 15 metres, which will be able to accommodate ships weighing up to 100,000 tonnes.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on May 5 that it will contribute to Cambodia's development and help achieve its vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050.

He noted that the facility will play an important role in helping to organise the logistics of special economic zones (SEZ) and the oil and gas sectors in Cambodia.

"This port will complement the work of the Preah Sihanouk and the Phnom Penh autonomous ports. Its location along the Bassac River means this port will play an important role in the transport of agricultural products across the country and to sell abroad," he said.

The project will be implemented in three phases, the first of which is estimated to cost $200 million and set to begin operations in 2025. It will have the capacity to conduct lift-on lift-off (LOLO) cargo handling operations of between 300,000-600,000 TEU by 2030.

Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara said that the logistics centre and port would be able to handle the transfer of both dry and liquid goods, which will facilitate a wider variety of trade and reduce shipping costs.