Suksawat gives us an established operating platform in one of Southeast Asia’s most important manufacturing, consumption, and export markets,

Gulftainer, a leading global trade infrastructure company based in the UAE, has signed a binding agreement for a strategic investment in the Suksawat Terminal on Thailand’s Chao Phraya River. This investment marks the group's entry into the Thai market and represents another significant milestone in its international expansion. Situated south of Bangkok in Samut Prakan, Suksawat Terminal caters to importers and exporters in the wider Bangkok area and offers direct barge connectivity to Laem Chabang, Thailand’s main deep-sea port.

Gulftainer plans

Gulftainer plans to invest in expansion of the terminal's capacity, productivity and range of services, thereby strengthening its role within Thailand’s manufacturing and distribution networks, and facilitating more efficient connections between Bangkok, Laem Chabang and international markets.

Thailand represents an important milestone in Gulftainer’s international growth

Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, said: “Thailand represents an important milestone in Gulftainer’s international growth. Suksawat gives us an established operating platform in one of Southeast Asia’s most important manufacturing, consumption and export markets, and a strong foundation from which we can build for the long term.

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“Our ambition goes well beyond the terminal itself. We want to build an integrated trade and logistics platform in Thailand, combining ports, inland logistics, industrial infrastructure and maritime connectivity to provide customers with increasingly efficient access to regional and international markets.

“We are entering Thailand with a long-term perspective. We see significant opportunities here and across Southeast Asia, and Suksawat is an important first step in that journey.”

Thailand to be a strategic market within ASEAN.

Gulftainer has identified Thailand as a strategic market due to its established industrial base, strong export economy and position within ASEAN. This investment will enable the Group to serve customers across sectors, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, petrochemicals and food exports, while pursuing further opportunities in Thailand and neighbouring markets.

The development of Suksawat 

The development of Suksawat will draw on the capabilities of GT Ports, GT Logistics, GT Parks and GT Lines. This will bring together terminal operations, inland transport, logistics infrastructure and maritime connectivity. The focus for customers will be on reliable cargo flows, efficient inland connections and competitive end-to-end supply chains.

The investment forms part of Gulftainer’s broader strategy

The investment forms part of Gulftainer’s broader strategy to develop integrated trade infrastructure in markets with strong long-term growth potential and to build a more connected international network linking Asia with the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

The development of Laem Chabang Port. 

On the other hand, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has already begun Phase 3 of the development of Laem Chabang Port. The aim is to enhance the port’s competitiveness, reaffirm its position as the sub-region’s gateway port, cement its place as a trade hub, and ultimately boost Thailand’s investment opportunities.

The PAT has acknowledged the significance the government has attributed to its Eastern Economic Corridor scheme and has devised strategies to ensure that Phase 3 aligns with the government's plans. To this end, the PAT intends to design and implement Phase 3 using state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly equipment and technology, which will enable faster services and reduce waiting times for vessels.

The planned features for Phase 3 include a U-shaped structure that is 800 metres wide and 2,000 metres long. With a depth of 18 metres alongside, the structure will be able to handle Super-Post Panamax vessels with a capacity of more than 10,000 TEUs. The anticipated cargo capacity is 8 million TEUs.

#Indian Subcontinent#Gulftainer#Farid Belbouab #Thailand # Laem Chabang #Suksawat Terminal #inland logistics#ASEAN #GT Ports# PAT