First Phase Of Kampot $1.5 Billion Multi-Purpose Port Launched
The first phase of the Kampot Logistics & Multipurpose Port (formerly called the Kampot International Port) was launched on June 6, 2024 under the presence of Prime Minister Hun Manet. This international deep-sea port cost USD $1.5 billion and is expected to be a major artery for Cambodia's maritime transport.
During the launch event, Prime Minister Manet said this port will enhance trade and exchange activities, and stimulate economic growth in Kampot and the socioeconomic development of Cambodia.
This multi-purpose port is poised to become another deep-sea port in Cambodia, playing a pivotal role alongside the Preah Sihanouk Autonomous Port and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port.
Manet added that enhancing the ports is one of the priorities for the Royal Government in promoting development. This is achieved by continuously increasing investment budgets, mobilising financing, and enhancing the efficiency of use to further develop Cambodia’s port infrastructure.
The Kampot port's first phase of operations was initially due to be completed in 2025; however, it has now been completed earlier. The 600-hectare seafront is located in Bokor City, Prek Tnoat district of Kampot province, and boasts a depth of 15 meters, with the capacity to accommodate large container ships.
The Kampot Logistics and Multi-Purpose Port was invested in by the Kampot-based Kampot Logistics and Port Company Limited and built by the Chinese state-owned China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC).
Once the three phases of development are finished, the port will include residential areas, a business centre, container fields, special economic zones (SEZ), free trade zones, logistics centres, warehouses, customs, manufacturing plants, oil refineries, and fuel centres.
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When complete, the Kampot multi-purpose port will have the capacity to handle about 300,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) by 2025 and approximately 600,000 TEUs by 2030.
Kampot International Tourism Port
Another port project is the Kampot International Tourism Port, also set to be operational in Q4 of 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in May 2024.
After a multi-year delay in appointing the right operator, the construction was completed in 2022. The prospective operator is the local conglomerate AZ Group, which will have to spend at least USD $5-10 million to ensure its operational.
Cambodia is home to 119 ports and docks, including international ports in Preah Sihanouk and Phnom Penh, and the Techo Funan Canal project which is slated to begin in August 2024 and will add additional ports while also connecting a number of existing river and sea ports, the largest of which is the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS).