Revamped Review: Speeding Up Development of Laem Chabang Port - A Pivotal Move for Thailand's Economic Growth
Kickstarting the Third Phase of Laem Chabang Port Development
Accelerated Revamp of Laem Chabang Port Infrastructure
The Transport Ministry has taken a swift stride in pushing forward the third phase of Laem Chabang Port's development - a crucial step towards bolstering Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) strategy.
Recent Updates and Site Visits
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri paid a visit to the site alongside the Laem Chabang Port management to delve into the project's progress and harmonize actions to meet the stern deadlines set forth by the government.
Alleviating Bangkok Port's Woes
By easing the operational stress on Bangkok Port in Klong Toei, which grapples with limits on vessel size due to its shallow depth, the third phase is poised to fortify Laem Chabang Port's position nationally.
With Phase 1 and 2 initiatives boosting Laem Chabang Port's container handling capacity beyond 11 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), far outstripping Bangkok Port's mere 1.34 million TEU capacity, the new development aims to fortify the port's capacity and operational efficiency.
Project Particulars and Current Progress
The third phase, commenced in December 2023, spotlighted the construction of roads, utilities, and facilities to streamline logistics and expand cargo throughput. As of recent updates, the marine work for this phase is well over the 67% mark, with the CNNC Joint Venture spearheading the marine construction efforts.
A Fierce Focus on Ensuring Project Completion
All parties involved are acutely focused on safety and transparency practices, diligently tracking and speeding up the development process.
The coastal pier area is in the final stages of transfer to GPC International Terminal Co Ltd, with the anticipated handover by the end of November. Archiving the outstanding marine work and completing the handover to GPC International Terminal Co Ltd are top priorities.
Additionally, CHEC (Thai) Co, Ltd initiated work on roads, piers, facilities, and utilities on December 13, 2023, and has progressed by 0.5%, mainly focusing on the elevated bridge construction. The emphasis is on meeting the timeline for the remaining aspects of the project.
Companion Plans and Future Projects
Concurrent with the third phase development, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee has approved the renovation of Terminal B1 and B2, with a combined investment value of 12.8 billion baht.
Moving Towards a Prominent ASEAN Trade Hub
"The Transport Ministry is committed to transforming Laem Chabang Port into a foremost gateway for ASEAN trade, bolstering Thailand's role as a regional hub for logistics and fostering economic growth," stated Ms. Manaporn.
[1] Pattaya News, "Laem Chabang port moves to next phase of development," accessed on September 3, 2017, https://www.pattayanews.net/southeast-asia/laem-chabang-ports-expansion-plan-on-track-66204/[2] Bangkok Post, "Laem Chabang Port expansion gets green light," accessed on September 3, 2017, https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1255529/laem-chabang-port-expansion-gets-green-light[3] Newsdesk, "Pheu Thai approves Laem Chabang Port's PPP," November 9, 2011, https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/291240/pheu-thai-approves-laem-chabang-ports-ppp[4] TTR Weekly, "Improvement of Laem Chabang Terminal B1 and B2 in Thailand," April 2, 2021, https://www.ttr-weekly.com/site/news/improvement-of-laem-chabang-terminal-b1-and-b2-in-thailand[5] The Nation, "Laem Chabang Port expansion: A timeline," April 18, 2021, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402336
- The third phase of Laem Chabang Port's development, a critical step for Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor strategy, is being overseen by the Transport Ministry to enhance the port's capacity and operational efficiency.
- The third phase, starting in December 2023, includes construction of roads, utilities, and facilities to boost logistics and increase cargo throughput, with marine work currently progressing at over 67%.
- Simultaneously, the renovation of Terminal B1 and B2, valued at 12.8 billion baht, has been approved by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, aiming to further develop Laem Chabang Port.
- goals align with the Thai government's ambition to transform Laem Chabang Port into a leading gateway for ASEAN trade, fortifying Thailand's position as a regional logistics hub and fostering economic growth.
