Thailand - ท่าเรือระนอง
Ranong Port, located in the southern part of Thailand, plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between Thailand and Myanmar. Its proximity to the Myanmar border makes it a key hub for processing and exporting Myanmar’s fisheries products.
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is actively developing Ranong Port to enhance its logistics capabilities and establish it as a strategic gateway between Thailand and India. Both countries aim to promote a new maritime route in the Andaman Sea, aligning with the government’s trade-boosting policies with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Capacity Expansion at Ranong Port
The ongoing development involves a phased approach. In the first phase, Ranong Port’s handling capacity is set to increase significantly, soaring from 78,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year to an impressive 500,000 TEUs per year by 2022.
Situated on the Kraburi River of the Kra Peninsula, Ranong Port faces Myanmar across the Indian Ocean. It stands 1,220 km away from Chittagong, Bangladesh. This strategic location is integral to Thailand’s Southern Economic Corridor project, emphasizing trade development with neighboring countries.
Direct Shipping Services at Ranong Port
Despite the positive momentum in increasing trade between Bangladesh and Thailand, the expected launch of direct coastal shipping services between Chattogram and Ranong ports faces delays. The Chattogram Port Authority Secretary mentioned that the matter is under the foreign affairs ministry, causing frustration among traders eagerly anticipating reduced transit times and shipping costs. Once implemented, direct shipping is poised to significantly shorten the transportation duration and lower shipping expenses, benefiting businesses on both ends.