“Laem Chabang Phase 3” Transforming Thailand’s Logistics Landscape into a Smart & Green Port — Advancing Thailand as ASEAN’s Strategic Maritime Hub

Thailand’s rise as ASEAN’s logistics hub is gaining momentum through the Phase 3 development of Laem Chabang Port, a flagship mega-project under the EEC. Beyond expanding trade capacity, the project aims to transform Thailand’s maritime gateway into a world-class Smart & Green Port through smart technologies, rail connectivity, clean energy, and sustainable logistics systems — supporting the future economy and the nation’s long-term Net Zero ambitions.

Acting Sub.L.t. Rutthakorn Khiewpaisal, Deputy Director-General of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) for Finance and Corporate Strategy and Acting PAT Director-General, revealed the latest progress of the Phase 3 Development of Laem Chabang Port — a flagship mega-project under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) that is playing a pivotal role in positioning Thailand as ASEAN’s logistics and trade hub. The project combines large-scale infrastructure development with the integration of smart technologies and clean energy solutions to support next-generation economic and supply chain transformation.

As of mid-2026, Phase 1 marine works — including dredging, land reclamation, and revetment construction — have achieved overall progress of approximately 89–91%. Structural reclamation at the F1 terminal area has been completed and is currently undergoing engineering inspections, including soil density and seismic resistance assessments, in collaboration with GPC, the project’s private consortium partner, prior to formal handover. Meanwhile, land reclamation for the F2 terminal is expected to be completed by July 2026.

Infrastructure works covering terminal buildings, roads, bridges, and utility systems have progressed by approximately 11%. However, delays in land reclamation and site handover processes are expected to postpone the original operational timeline for the F1 terminal from 2028, with both F1 and F2 terminals now anticipated to commence operations simultaneously in 2030.

Expanding Capacity for Mega Vessels, Positioning Thailand as a Regional Transshipment Hub
Acting Sub L.t. Rutthakorn stated that the development of Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 is far more than a port expansion project; it represents a major transformation of Thailand’s national logistics infrastructure aimed at elevating the country into a key regional trade gateway and transshipment hub. Upon completion, the port will be fully capable of accommodating Super Post Panamax vessels, significantly enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in global maritime trade. Container-handling capacity will increase from 7.7 million TEU annually to 18.1 million TEU, while Ro/Ro vehicle handling capacity will expand from 2 million units to 3 million units per year.

A core strategic component of the project is the promotion of rail freight transportation through the Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO) system. The initiative aims to increase the share of rail-based container transport from 7% to 30%, helping reduce traffic congestion, lower logistics costs, and improve the country’s long-term transport efficiency.

The project is also driving the transformation toward a world-class Smart Port through the adoption of automation technologies and electric-powered equipment to enhance cargo-handling efficiency while minimizing environmental impact under the Green Port concept. The development is expected to strengthen investor confidence and seamlessly connect industrial supply chains within the EEC to global markets. Currently, the project is being closely monitored and accelerated by the Ministry of Transport, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) to reinforce Thailand’s ambition of becoming ASEAN’s leading economic and logistics hub.

Transforming Toward a World-Class Smart Port
“In advancing the Smart Port initiative, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is transforming Laem Chabang Port into a world-class intelligent port fully integrated with the Smart City concept through the adoption of advanced digital technologies and automation systems across multiple dimensions,” Acting Sub L.t. Rutthakorn stated.

The transformation begins with the implementation of semi-automated operating systems and remote-control technologies for container yard management, enhancing operational accuracy, speed, and safety while reducing human dependency in high-risk areas.

At the same time, AI and IoT technologies, supported by 5G connectivity, are being deployed to enable real-time vessel and cargo tracking, significantly improving planning and operational control within the port. The Smart Port EDI system will further connect shipping lines, terminal operators, Customs authorities, and logistics service providers, enabling faster data exchange, reducing documentation procedures, and strengthening overall supply chain efficiency.

Additional smart systems include Smart Port Traffic & Truck Queue management to optimize truck movements and reduce congestion at port entrances, as well as Smart Gate systems utilizing OCR and RFID technologies for automated container and vehicle identification, allowing trucks to pass inspection points more efficiently. PAT is also implementing Smart Port Payment systems supporting electronic payment solutions such as QR Code transactions to enhance operational convenience, speed, and transparency.

Alongside Smart Port development, PAT is accelerating its Green Port strategy to support Thailand’s Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions targets by 2065 through a clearly defined clean energy and green infrastructure roadmap.

One of the flagship initiatives is the implementation of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, or Cold Ironing, which enables berthed vessels to draw electricity directly from the port’s power grid instead of operating onboard fuel-powered generators. This significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions as well as PM 2.5 pollution within the port and surrounding communities.

PAT is also transitioning port equipment from diesel-powered systems to fully electric operations, particularly converting RTG container cranes into 100% electric e-RTG systems, while piloting the use of EV trucks for container transportation within the port area to reduce both energy costs and long-term emissions.
Another critical mechanism for reducing Thailand’s carbon footprint is the promotion of rail transportation through the SRTO system. Currently, road transport emits approximately 137 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, compared with only around 22 grams for rail transport. PAT aims to reduce the share of road freight transport to 70% while increasing rail transport to 30%, helping ease traffic congestion and substantially lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the logistics sector. The agency estimates that every 10% increase in rail transport share could reduce emissions equivalent to planting tens of thousands of rai of forest annually.

In terms of eco-infrastructure, PAT has installed Solar Rooftop systems on warehouses and office buildings to generate renewable electricity onsite, while developing a Zero Discharge wastewater treatment system that recycles treated water for internal use such as landscape irrigation and road cleaning, preventing wastewater discharge into the sea. IoT-based environmental sensors have also been deployed for real-time air and water quality monitoring to minimize environmental impacts and improve the quality of life for surrounding communities.

Green Port: The New Strategic Frontier of Global Competitiveness
Acting Sub L.t. Rutthakorn stated that Green Port development is no longer merely a matter of corporate social responsibility, but has become a critical competitive advantage for ports worldwide. Global shipping lines are increasingly facing pressure from environmental regulations and cross-border carbon measures, including Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As a result, ports with internationally recognized environmental management systems and tangible carbon-reduction capabilities are becoming preferred strategic gateways for major shipping operators.

At the same time, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is strengthening its energy resilience strategy to mitigate volatility in global energy prices and reduce long-term logistics costs. This includes increasing the use of alternative energy sources such as solar power, accelerating the adoption of electric machinery and EV vehicles within port operations, and integrating AI and digital platforms to optimize energy management. These initiatives are designed to improve efficiency, reduce energy loss, lower operating costs, and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Looking ahead, PAT is also preparing future-ready infrastructure to support next-generation energy solutions, including hydrogen energy, shore power systems, and emerging clean-energy technologies. The objective is to ensure that Thailand’s ports remain aligned with rapidly evolving global maritime and environmental standards, while reinforcing the country’s long-term ambition to become ASEAN’s sustainable green logistics hub.