Officials Evaluate Prachuap Deep Sea Port for Integration with Thailand’s proposed ‘Land Bridge’ Project
BANG SAPHAN DISTRICT: On February 23, a delegation led by Mr. Jane Namchaisiri (เจน นำชัยศิริ), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to assess the potential integration of Prachuap Deep Sea Port with the proposed $28 billion Land Bridge project.
This ambitious initiative aims to establish a direct transportation link across southern Thailand, providing an alternative route for cargo ships currently navigating the longer passage through the Malacca Strait and Singapore.
The visit, hosted at the facilities of Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public Company Limited (SSI) in Bang Saphan District, focused on evaluating the logistics, deep-sea port, and steel industries. Mr. Kittiphong Sukphakulkul (กิตติพงษ์ สุขภัคกุล), Deputy Provincial Governor, represented the provincial leadership and, along with Sahaviriya executives, highlighted the capabilities of Prachuap Port.
Operated by Prachuap Port Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sahaviriya, Prachuap Port features four berths capable of accommodating both international and coastal transport vessels. The port boasts a deep-water channel enhanced by a wave-breaking dam, constructed from precast concrete to mitigate wave and wind impact, ensuring safe docking and operations for ships. Spread over an area of 670 acres, with an additional customs-controlled zone covering 80 acres, including warehouse space, the port exemplifies the region’s economic growth potential.
Plans are underway to develop a railway link connecting the port to the Sahaviriya Group’s industrial zone, further positioning Prachuap Port as a crucial transportation hub for Thailand’s lower central region. Officials believe this infrastructure could facilitate maritime transport between the East and West coasts or serve as a link in the proposed Land Bridge project, enhancing connectivity between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
If integrated with the Land Bridge project, Prachuap Port could significantly streamline maritime logistics, providing a viable and efficient alternative route for global shipping lanes and contributing substantially to the economic corridor of southern Thailand.
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Author: TriCove.Asia
TriCove.Asia Administrator.