Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Benefiting from the continued deepening of friendly cooperation between Cambodia and Japan, the modernization and upgrading of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Cambodia's core deep-water hub, has made key progress. The port will construct a new advanced Vessel Traffic Service (VTS, or Vessel Control Radar System), which will enhance the dynamic monitoring of maritime navigation, comprehensively improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, and inject new momentum into the construction of a regional logistics hub.
On March 23, Lu Jinchun, Director General of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Ports Authority, disclosed to the media that with technical support and financial assistance from the Japanese government, the VTS project has completed its preliminary preparations and is expected to officially break ground in early May, with completion and trial operation planned for September this year.
Director Lu Jinchun explained that the project will establish an intelligent management system integrating modern radar antennas and real-time monitoring terminals, enabling 24/7, full-coverage dynamic tracking of ocean-going vessels entering and leaving the port. After the system is put into operation, it will not only significantly improve shipping safety and vessel scheduling efficiency, but also provide port management with precise digital decision-making support, effectively mitigating navigation risks and optimizing operational processes.
Lu Jinchun emphasized that as a crucial pillar of the national economy, a well-developed port infrastructure is key to improving logistics efficiency and reducing trade costs. The modernization of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port will directly drive Cambodia's foreign trade prosperity and provide strong support for achieving national development goals. He especially thanked the Japanese government and people for their continuous support over the past 30 years in infrastructure construction, operational management optimization, and professional talent training, laying a solid foundation for the development of Cambodia's port industry.
The latest data confirms the booming momentum of Cambodia's shipping industry: In 2025, the container throughput of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port exceeded 1.34 million TEUs, a year-on-year increase of over 12%; in the first quarter of 2026, the national waterway transport volume increased significantly by 38% compared to the same period last year, laying a good foundation for record-breaking business throughout the year.
The construction of this VTS system marks a substantial step forward in Sihanoukville's transformation into a "smart port," further strengthening its core position as a regional logistics hub and providing crucial support for Cambodia's integration into the regional industrial chain and enhanced international trade competitiveness.
