Kingdom’s deep-sea port expansion set to cut shipping costs and boost trade

PHNOM PENH, April 9, 2026 (KPT) – The Kingdom’s deep-sea port in Sihanoukville is undergoing a major expansion, aimed at reducing shipping costs, strengthening trade connectivity, and positioning Cambodia as a competitive logistics hub in the region.

The second phase of the port development project is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2026, while Phase 1 has already reached about 65 percent completion and is expected to finish ahead of schedule in 2027.

Lou Kimchhun, Chairman and CEO of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, said that once Phase 1 is completed, maritime shipping costs from the Asia-Pacific region to Cambodia are projected to drop by around USD 200 per container, providing immediate relief for businesses engaged in international trade.

Phase 2, expected to be completed by 2029, will expand the port’s capacity to accommodate large vessels from across the Indo-Pacific, including routes from the Indian Ocean and the United States. Officials said the development would further reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and attract foreign investment.

The second phase, designed with a depth of 19.5 meters, is currently in the bidding stage, with construction set to begin between June and July. Detailed design work for Phase 3 has also been completed, with tender preparations expected by late 2026.

Currently, the port’s container terminal spans 653 meters. Upon completion of all three phases, the length will expand to about 2,000 meters, transforming Cambodia’s maritime gateway into a large-scale international hub capable of accommodating major container ships without depth constraints.