Country Overview
Cambodia borders Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, featuring a coastal coastline of 443 km along the Gulf of Thailand alongside a major inland waterway network driven by the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. Its geographical placement provides a critical trade bridge connecting domestic agricultural and industrial sectors to broader ASEAN markets and global maritime shipping routes.
Maritime Industry
The country’s port network supports container transportation, agricultural exports, industrial raw materials, and inland river logistics. Sihanoukville Autonomous Port serves as Cambodia’s sole deep-water sea port, handling the majority of ocean container traffic, while Phnom Penh Autonomous Port acts as the vital inland river transit hub facilitating trade via the Mekong Delta to international markets.
Major Trade Routes
Intra-ASEAN coastal routes across the Gulf of Thailand to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand; transshipment connections to East Asia; and Mekong River inland trade lines running through Southern Vietnam to ocean routes.
Weather Conditions
Southwest monsoon season from May through October brings severe tropical rains, choppy seas, and occasional squalls in coastal areas. River ports experience significant seasonal water level fluctuations and altered currents.
Navigation Considerations
River navigation along the Mekong approach requires close monitoring of draft constraints during dry season. Compulsory pilotage applies for ocean vessels entering both Sihanoukville approach channels and inland river fairways.
Maritime Regulations
Overseen by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) under national maritime laws and ratifications of applicable IMO conventions governing safety, environmental protection, and vessel traffic standards.
Port Authority
State-owned autonomous port entities operate the main centers: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) manages deep-sea operations, while Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP) oversees river terminals.
Safety Notes
Vessels must comply with strictly defined anchorage zones and traffic lanes. Monitor local navigation notices for seasonal river dredging operations, shifting shallow banks, and heavy coastal fishing craft traffic.
Local Maritime Facts
- Sihanoukville Autonomous Port handles over 70% of Cambodia’s total ocean-borne containerized cargo.
- Phnom Penh Autonomous Port relies on international river passage through Vietnam to reach the South China Sea.
- Infrastructure developments, including deep-water container terminal expansions, continue to increase draft capacity for larger ocean vessels.
Two ports, one profile complete
Port of Sihanoukville
Cambodia’s primary deep-water sea port handling the majority of international container traffic.
Phnom Penh Autonomous Port
Vital inland river port hub connecting the capital to regional ocean trade via the Mekong River.