Bangkok: "Monporn," Deputy Minister of Transport, is expediting plans to boost Laem Chabang Port's capacity, engaging in discussions with "Til" to push for future container accommodation cooperation. Mrs. Manop Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that she held talks with Mr. Rapha«l Boden, Deputy Director of Port Investment, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), and his team. TiL, a Geneva-based company, manages container ports in 31 countries, including major shipping routes in Singapore, South Korea, the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. The dialogue aimed at exchanging ideas on investment for the Laem Chabang Port Development Project (LPD) Phase 3 and investing in new ports E1 and E2.
According to Thai News Agency, the government and the Ministry of Transport are dedicated to enhancing freight transport infrastructure and expanding Laem Chabang Port's capacity. This aligns with the development of the Eastern Seaboard as a transportation hub for the Indochina region, connecting to China and India. These strategic points are crucial for freight transport linkage under the Eastern Economic Corridor development plan. The initiative also includes improving processes to be environmentally friendly using digital technology, aiming for Laem Chabang Port to evolve into a Green Port, thereby supporting global sustainability and driving Thailand's future economy.
Ms. Manop further explained that the Phase 3 development project of Laem Chabang Port seeks to accommodate the anticipated rise in container volume. Currently supporting 11.1 million TEUs/year, the capacity is expected to exceed 10 million TEUs/year by 2025, in tune with the nation's economic and trade growth. The project is divided into four main components: marine construction, piers and public utility systems construction, railway systems construction, and procurement of tools and information technology systems. These are progressing according to plan, with the F1 pier expected to be operational in 2027 and the F2 pier set for construction in 2029, with services commencing in 2031.
Ms. Manop added that from the feasibility study report of the TLCH development project, phase 3, the process of selecting a private company to invest in Pier E will begin, with contract signing in 2029, allowing construction of Pier E0 to start in 2030 and service initiation in 2032. Construction for Piers E1 and E2 will commence in 2032 and 2034, respectively.
Ms. Manop expressed gratitude to Mr. Rapha«l Boden and the delegation from Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for their interest in co-investing in the TLCH Phase 3 development project. She hopes this collaboration will foster expanded business relations and public-private sector cooperation in the future.