Sihanoukville deep-water container terminal phase 1 reaches 57% completion

PHNOM PENH, 2 February 2026 (KPT) – Construction of the first phase of Cambodia’s Sihanoukville deep-water container terminal has reached 57 percent completion, officials said Friday, as the government presses ahead with plans to expand the country’s maritime trade capacity.

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) reported the progress, with Deputy Director General Ti Sakun confirming the project remains on schedule. The terminal is part of a three-phase development, backed by about $750 million in government investment, aimed at transforming the port into an international hub capable of handling large container ships.

Phase one will provide a water depth of 14.5 metres and is slated for completion in 2028. Once finished, about 93 percent of the docking area will be able to accommodate large vessels. Subsequent phases will further expand capacity, enabling Cambodian exports to reach Europe and the Americas directly and reducing reliance on regional transshipment ports.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the investment as part of a “create money to make money” strategy to strengthen Cambodia’s logistical independence and global trade competitiveness.

Industry representatives say the project will cut transportation costs for exporters and improve supply chain efficiency. Chea Chandara, head of the Transport and Supply Chain Association, noted that waterway transport is widely used for its high capacity, long-distance reach and cost efficiency.

The government plans to spend nearly $1 billion on the full deep-water port development, which officials say will boost economic growth and international trade.