Cambodia’s two state-owned ports, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP), reported significant growth in container throughput in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, reflecting the growth of trade activities in the Kingdom, a report showed yesterday.

The public-listed Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) stated in its quarter report filed at the Cambodia Securities Exchange that the PAS achieved a container throughput of 373,748 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), an increase of 38.21 percent compared to the same period last year.

The port business revenue amounted to KHR 174,344,120,000 (approximately $43.5 million), an increase of 51.89 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, read the report.

At the same time, the 495 vessels calling at PAS, an increase of 13.79 percent and vessel tonnage reached nearly 8 million tonnes, up 34.23 percent, stated the report.

“These statistics represent a trend toward larger and deep-draft vessels berthing at the port, which enhances the competitiveness of ocean freight costs and increases overall investment attractiveness,” Lou Kimchhun, Chairman & CEO of PAS, said in the report.

Kimchhun said in response to the increasing container throughput as well as customers’ service demand, PAS continuously improved service quality through further repair, maintenance, and development of port infrastructure and handling equipment, close cooperation with port users, and development of human resources, technology, and modern handling equipment in line with international innovations.

The port will further collaborate with development partners to conduct step-by-step studies and have a clear plan for constructing a deep-sea port, in line with the vision and growth of container throughput, he added.

Meanwhile, the public-listed Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP), the country’s river port in Kandal province, recorded a surge of container throughput of 162,242 TEUs, up 33.61 percent from 121,425 TEUs in the same period last year.

For the first quarter of 2026, total revenue rose to $13.93 million, an increase of 33.98 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025.

PPAP CEO Hei Bavy attributed the achievement to the port operation with transparency and efficiency in responding to the needs of the customers.

PPAP is committed to enhancing operations at the other terminals with modernisation and standardisation for the customers, he added.

Phan Rim, spokesman at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, linked the significant growth in port revenue directly to Cambodia’s growing global trade.

Speaking with Khmer Times, Rim said, “Because ports serve as Cambodia’s primary gateway for regional and global trade, this revenue growth is a positive indicator. It reflects expanding business and commercial activity, which directly drives the country’s economic growth.”
Source: Khmer Times