MOL Sets Up Barge Terminal Operator in Thailand

zoom Japans shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with SahaThai Terminal Co., Ltd., a container terminal operation company in Thailand, to establish a new barge terminal operation company in Bangkok. The new company, called Bangkok Barge Terminal Co., Ltd. (BBT), will have its head office in Bangkok. Due to shallower water depth at the Bangkok river port, Laem Chabang port, located about 90km downstream has become the main gateway port of Thailand with its capability in accommodating many liner services with larger containerships. Consequently, container transport between Laem Chabang and the outskirts of Bangkok by land transport via truck and rail, as well as waterway transport via barges now play important roles. Barge transport is positioned for an increase in demand, since it has bigger capacity and offers considerable advantages in safety and environmental friendliness. According to MOL, the BBT-operated barge container terminal, slated to open in 2016, will serve as a new gateway to Laem Chabang Port for customers who need cargo moved to and from the outlying areas of Bangkok. The launching of the barge operator, follows MOLs establishment of container terminal operation at Laem Chabang Port, warehousing, trucking, and container and truck depot operation.