Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port is progressing with its Phase 3 expansion project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s logistics sector and positioning the port as a key regional transhipment hub in Southeast Asia. The project, which forms part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development strategy, seeks to enhance trade connectivity and support Thailand’s growing maritime economy.
The expansion focuses on Terminal F and will increase the port’s container handling capacity to about 18.1 million TEUs annually. Rail cargo capacity is also expected to rise to 6 million TEUs per year, with the share of rail transport increasing from 7 per cent to around 30 per cent through the introduction of a Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO). In addition, dredging works will deepen the basin to approximately -18.5 metres, enabling the port to accommodate ultra-large container vessels. The project also aims to reduce national logistics costs from 14 per cent to around 12 per cent of GDP.
Construction of the marine infrastructure is currently about 91 per cent complete, while facility construction has reached roughly 10 per cent progress. The reclamation works for Terminal F1 are expected to be completed by 2027, with overall terminal construction scheduled for completion by 2028 and operations targeted to begin in 2031.
The port is also integrating digital and environmental technologies as part of its development strategy. Automation systems, 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies are being deployed for container handling, vessel tracking and traffic management. Environmental monitoring systems will track air and water quality, while the port plans to transition equipment to electric power and introduce shore-to-ship power to reduce emissions from vessels.
The project is expected to support Thailand’s economic development by attracting foreign investment to the Eastern Economic Corridor, improving export competitiveness and generating more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once completed, the expanded port will strengthen Thailand’s role as a regional logistics gateway connecting ASEAN markets with global trade routes.
