Container Handling and Warehousing in Sihanoukville Port: What You Should Know

As Cambodia deepens its integration into regional and global trade, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (SAP) is becoming the heart of the nation’s maritime logistics. Strategically located along the Gulf of Thailand, this port serves as Cambodia’s only deep-sea port and is a vital trade gateway for containerized cargo, especially for industries such as garments, electronics, and agriculture. With increasing foreign investment and growing export demand, container handling and warehousing services at Sihanoukville Port are rapidly evolving.

In this blog, we explore how SAP operates, recent infrastructure developments, container handling efficiency, warehousing solutions, and what importers, exporters, and logistics agents need to know.

Why Sihanoukville Port Matters

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is one of Cambodia’s most important assets in trade logistics. It handles more than 70% of the country’s international cargo, and its operations have seen steady growth as Cambodia’s exports—especially garments, agricultural products, and machinery—continue to rise.

SAP is undergoing expansion to meet global trade demands, including container terminal modernization, improved automation, and logistics park development.

Read more from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port’s official site

Container Handling Operations: Process & Capacity

Container handling refers to the movement of shipping containers—loading and unloading from vessels, stacking in yards, and transferring to trucks or rail. As of 2024, Sihanoukville Port has a container terminal that can accommodate vessels up to 13.5 meters draft, handling nearly 700,000 TEUs annually.

Key Components of Container Handling at SAP:

• Quay Cranes & Rubber-Tired Gantries (RTGs): Used for loading/unloading containers from vessels efficiently.

• Container Yard Management: The port’s upgraded yard allows for secure storage and tracking of containers.

• Customs & Inspection Zones: On-site customs services speed up import/export clearance, especially for time-sensitive cargo.

With investments from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SAP’s expansion plans include new terminals that will increase capacity to over 1 million TEUs by 2027.

See JICA’s investment projects in Cambodia

Warehousing at Sihanoukville Port

Warehousing plays a critical role in logistics by bridging the gap between importers/exporters and their markets. At Sihanoukville Port, warehousing is available both inside the port zone and through third-party logistics (3PL) providers nearby.

Types of Warehouses Available:

• General Warehouses: For dry goods, machinery, electronics, and textiles.

• Bonded Warehouses: Allow storage of goods without paying duties until they are sold or re-exported.

• Cold Storage Facilities: For temperature-sensitive products like seafood, fruits, and pharmaceuticals.

• Logistics Parks and Industrial Zones: Industrial clusters near the port offer integrated warehousing and value-added services.

These warehousing options help reduce lead times, enable inventory consolidation, and allow businesses to operate with more flexibility in supply chain planning.

Explore Cambodia’s Special Economic Zones near the port

Challenges in Container Handling and Warehousing

While the port is advancing, some logistical challenges persist:

1. Congestion During Peak Seasons: Limited port space can cause backlogs in container movement.

2. Manual Processing and Customs Delays: Although automation is improving, manual paperwork still slows down efficiency.

3. Infrastructure Connectivity: Road conditions between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville can affect cargo transit time.

However, these challenges are being addressed through port digitization, customs modernization, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s trade logistics ecosystem.

Opportunities for Foreign Businesses

If you’re an importer, exporter, or logistics company seeking to expand into Cambodia, Sihanoukville Port offers clear advantages:

• Competitive Port Fees: Cambodia offers relatively lower port and warehousing costs than neighboring countries.

• Customs-Friendly Practices: Thanks to ASEAN integration, import/export documentation has become more streamlined.

• Fast-Growing Trade Flows: Cambodia’s exports to markets like the U.S., EU, and China are booming, especially in textiles and agri-products.

• Proximity to Industrial Zones: The Sihanoukville SEZ is home to hundreds of factories and is ideal for companies looking for end-to-end logistics solutions.

View Cambodia’s export and import statistics

Role of Local Agents in Streamlining Port Operations

Working with a local Cambodian agent can simplify your entry and operation at Sihanoukville Port. These professionals offer:

• Container booking and clearance coordination

• Negotiation with local carriers and warehousing providers

• Customs paperwork and compliance management

• Real-time updates on port handling status

Agents like Cambodia-Agent.com help foreign businesses navigate the logistical, regulatory, and cultural landscape with ease. Their knowledge of port-specific operations is invaluable for companies with tight delivery schedules or sensitive cargo.

What’s Next for Sihanoukville Port?

Sihanoukville is not only expanding its physical capacity but is also positioning itself as a smart port through the use of:

• Port Management Information Systems (PMIS)

• RFID and GPS-enabled cargo tracking

• Automated gate and weighbridge systems

Additionally, the Cambodian government’s national logistics master plan, launched in cooperation with development partners, emphasizes strengthening Sihanoukville’s role as a regional trade hub.

Cambodia’s Logistics Master Plan Summary (ADB)

Final Thoughts

Sihanoukville Port is more than just Cambodia’s gateway to the world—it’s a growing logistics ecosystem supporting industries from garments and rice to electronics and machinery. With significant investment in infrastructure, digital technology, and warehousing, this port is poised to serve the needs of global supply chains for years to come.

For foreign companies, now is the ideal time to explore Cambodia’s logistics capabilities. With expert support from local agents, the complexity of container handling, warehousing, and customs processes can be turned into a competitive advantage.

Looking to streamline your container handling operations in Cambodia?
Connect with Cambodia-Agent.com for personalized logistics support.