Container traffic at Cambodia’s main ports increased significantly in 2018, according to port authorities.

The number of containers handled at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (SAP), the nation’s only deep-sea port, increased by 16.9 percent, reaching a total of 537,107 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) by the end of
2018.

Meanwhile, container traffic at Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP) rose by 11 percent to reach 205,000 TEUs, according to an annual report issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Total tonnage handled by the ports also rose. In SAP it grew by a remarkable 18 percent for a total of 5.1 million tonnes, while PPAP experienced more modest growth by expanding by just 3.7 percent to reach 2.8 million tonnes.

A total of 3.8 million tonnes of goods were shipped from SAP, while it received 1.3 million tonnes from overseas. By comparison, 996,000 tonnes were shipped from the capital’s port, while just 463,000
tonnes were imported.

Income at SAP increased by 17.5 percent last year, amounting to $66.8 million, while PPAP generated $21.4 million, a 9 percent hike.

Transport Minister Sun Chanthol said the increase in traffic and tonnage was the result of new facilities that have enhanced the ports’ handling capacity.

“The second terminal of Phnom Penh Port became operational, and we also inaugurated a multi- purpose terminal in Sihanoukville port last year,” the minister said.