Cambodia- Kampot, a serene town nestled in the heart of Cambodia, is on the brink of a transformative journey into the global market with the initiation of an ambitious venture—the Kampot Logistics and Multipurpose Port. This monumental project, backed by a significant investment of $1.5 billion from the local powerhouse, Kampot Logistics and Port Company Ltd., spans an extensive 600-hectare land area, poised to reshape the economic landscape of the region.
Unfolding along the banks of the Bassac River, the project’s standout feature is its impressive water depth of 15 meters, enabling the port to accommodate ships of up to 100,000 tons. With construction now underway, the comprehensive plan is divided into three phases, the first of which is anticipated to cost approximately $200 million and is scheduled for completion by December 2023. This inaugural phase is set to witness the establishment of container fields, special economic zones, free trade zones, logistics centers, warehouses, and customs and manufacturing plants. Furthermore, fuel refineries and energy distribution infrastructure are integral components of this groundbreaking initiative.
What sets this venture apart is its distinction as one of the first large-scale initiatives led by a local company. The Kampot Logistics and Port Company Ltd., deeply ingrained in the province, not only aims to fortify its own position but also envisions a substantial contribution to Cambodia’s economic growth and social development.
A recent groundbreaking ceremony, graced by dignitaries including the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol, underscored the strategic importance of the Kampot port. Chanthol emphasized that the new port would serve as a complement to the existing Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh autonomous ports, addressing congestion challenges faced by the former. With the Sihanoukville port contending with escalating traffic, the Kampot port emerges as a vital solution, streamlining trade processes and augmenting profitability. Sin Chanthy, President of the Cambodian Logistics Association (CLA), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the port’s role in facilitating smoother trade.
The chosen location for the port not only provides strategic advantage but also an added layer of security. Nestled amidst the islands of Koh Thmey, Koh Ses, and Koh Tral, the port is shielded from natural disasters such as typhoons. Its strategic positioning connects transportation by water, land, and rail to key destinations like Phnom Penh and other provinces, utilizing National Road 41, National Road 4, National Road 3, Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville Expressway, National Road 48, and the southern railway.
Looking into the future, the fully operational Kampot Logistics and Multipurpose Port is poised to handle substantial cargo capacity. Projections indicate a capacity of 300,000 TEUs by 2025, escalating to an impressive 600,000 TEUs by 2030. This ambitious expansion not only aims to rival the current capacity of Sihanoukville port, handling 641,842 TEUs but is also projected to generate around 10,000 local jobs, injecting a substantial boost into the region’s employment landscape.
The phased approach adopted for the project underscores meticulous planning and a commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art facility aligned with international standards. As the port gears up for its first operational phase, slated for completion in 2023, it promises to play a pivotal role in unlocking new gateways for Cambodia’s exports and imports. The Kampot Logistics and Multipurpose Port stands not only as a testament to local ambition but as a catalyst for economic vitality, poised to elevate the town of Kampot to a key player on the global stage.