Laem Chabang Port, The Largest in Thailand

When you think of Thailand, its ports are usually not the first thing that comes to mind. This country is well-known for being a popular tourist destination, with gorgeous beaches and amazing things to see and do. However, their ports are pretty great too! We share 5 fast facts on Laem Chabang Port.

Largest Port in Thailand

Located 130 kilometres south from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, Laem Chabang Port is the largest port in the country and is also the leading maritime port. The Port Authority of Thailand has worked hard to develop the port and the surrounding areas, as well as encouraging cooperation between private and public entities by enabling private terminal operations concessions that will assist in managing individual terminal operations at this port. The port handles both container ships and cruise ships, and much of the international shipping that reaches Thailand comes from this port.

Laem Chabang Port Facilities

The Port occupies over 2 500 acres and is capable of handling the largest vessels. This port’s facilities include:

• 1 multipurpose terminal
• 7 container terminals
• 1 passenger ro-ro terminal
• 1 ro-ro terminal
• 1 shipyard terminal
• 1 general cargo terminal
• An adjacent harbour mall

Port Development

Construction on the Port of Laem Chabang first started in 1987 with Basin 1. This basin provided a range of services that included warehousing, cargo handling, cargo distribution, ship repair, vessel maintenance and pilotage. Between 1987 and 1998, Thailand’s fast-growing development meant there was an increase in cargo volume through the port, which encouraged the Port Authority of Thailand to start on Phase 2 of the development. In 1998, Phase 2 began with the development of Basin 2. This Basin provided a range of services and included a Container Freight Station, as well as improving highway connections with Thailand’s more remote areas. More development is planned for the port to enable it to remain a gateway port to this region and a hub for trade.

Recent Port Statistics

In 2019, Laem Chabang Port experienced a 17.8% increase in export volumes to the United States, reaching 620 000 TEU. 70% of this port’s volumes are made up of intra-Asia services. Terminal D, the newest port facility, started operating in June 2018 and increased the containership capacity significantly. This terminal now regularly handles 14 000 TEU class vessels, and in 2019 it handled around 600 000 TEU.

The Town

Laem Chabang is much more than just the port, and the harbour around the port is a popular tourist destination. There is the Harbour Mall, a local Buddhist temple and some amazing local excursions to enjoy. Many cruise ships dock at this port and the passengers get to enjoy all that this port town has to offer.

Port of Call offers Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing services at Laem Chabang port. For more information, contact us on operations@port-of-call.co.za