Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Deep-Sea Port Expansion Nears 70% Completion

PHNOM PENH, April 29, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s flagship deep-sea port expansion at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port has reached nearly 67 percent completion, officials said Wednesday, marking a milestone in the country’s bid to become a regional maritime hub.

Ty Sokun, Deputy Director General for technical affairs, told a review meeting that phase one of the new container terminal — designed with a depth of 14.5 meters — is ahead of schedule and due for completion in 2027.

The terminal is part of a three-phase, $750 million expansion aimed at boosting port capacity and trade competitiveness. Phase two, with a planned depth of 19.5 meters, is set to begin construction in mid-2026, while phase three remains in detailed design and tender preparation.

Lou Kimchhun, Chairman and CEO of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, said that once phase two is finished by 2029, large container vessels operating across the Indo-Pacific will be able to dock directly, cutting shipping costs and spurring investment and trade.

Authorities say the full development will transform Sihanoukville into a regional logistics hub capable of handling far higher container volumes. Rising cargo demand has already underscored the urgency of expansion, with throughput climbing sharply in recent years.

The project will not only improve trade efficiency but also attract investment, strengthen connectivity, and position Cambodia more competitively in regional and global supply chains.