Dubai-based port and logistics giant DP World has secured a five-year extension to continue operating a key container berth at Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port, bolstering its foothold in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trade corridors.

The concession extension, granted through DP World’s joint venture Laem Chabang International Terminal (LCIT), covers the B5 container berth and runs from May 2026 until April 2031.

The deal comes as intra-Asia trade volumes continue to rise and regional supply chains shift further towards Southeast Asia, the company said.

Laem Chabang is Thailand’s main deep-sea port and its largest container gateway, handling a significant share of the country’s international trade flows. Through LCIT, DP World operates both the B5 and C3 berths at the port.

The facilities can handle up to four vessels at the same time across 900 m of berth space and are supported by more than 4,400 sq m of on-dock container freight station capacity.

LCIT handled a record 1.936m teu in 2025, marking its highest annual throughput to date as container volumes continued to grow across regional trades.

Glen Hilton, chief executive and managing director for Asia Pacific at DP World, said the extension would provide stability for customers facing increasingly complex supply chains.

“This concession extension at Laem Chabang Port ensures continuity and service stability for our customers at a time when supply chains face increasing pressure and complexity,” Hilton said.

“As Thailand strengthens its position as a regional trade hub, this extension allows us to continue investing in capacity, efficiency and sustainable operations.”

DP World said it plans to continue upgrading the terminal with a focus on efficiency and lower-emission operations.

Last year LCIT deployed five electric internal transfer vehicles, which the company said cut emissions by around 60% compared with diesel-powered units while also improving vessel turnaround times. Further electrification plans for 2026 include additional electric transfer vehicles, electric reach stackers and an electric empty container handler.

Beyond the port itself, DP World has been expanding its logistics footprint across Thailand through cross-border trucking, freight forwarding and inland logistics services. The company recently opened a rail-linked inland container yard in Khon Kaen in northeastern Thailand, supported by a dedicated three-times-weekly rail shuttle service connecting directly with Laem Chabang.