Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s logistics sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by expanding trade volumes, increased foreign investment, and infrastructure development. At the Transportation and Logistics Forum 2025, Rutger Heijsteeg, Managing Director of Maersk Cambodia and Vice-Chairman of EuroCham’s Transport & Logistics Committee, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry while outlining Maersk’s strategic expansion to meet rising demand.
Cambodia’s Logistics Growth and Key Challenges
With Cambodia’s total trade reaching $54.7 billion in 2024, logistics has become a crucial driver of Cambodia’s economy. The country’s primary maritime hub, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS), handled over 1.05 million TEUs, marking a record throughput. Meanwhile, Phnom Penh International Airport saw over 75,000 tons of cargo movement, further establishing Cambodia’s role in regional supply chains.
Despite these advancements, logistics infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. High transport costs, customs inefficiencies, and limited multimodal transport options are challenges that industry leaders like Maersk are working to address.
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“Trade is the main driver of Cambodia’s economic growth, but we must ensure that our logistics infrastructure can keep up with demand. This requires coordinated investment and regulatory improvements,” Heijsteeg said.
Maersk Expands Operations in Cambodia
As one of the world’s leading logistics providers, Maersk Cambodia has expanded its port, warehousing, and trucking services to accommodate growing trade activity. The company currently handles:
- Over 220,000 TEUs annually through Cambodia’s ports and terminals.
- 88,000 customs declarations per year, ensuring smooth import and export processes.
- 28,000 first-mile and 9,000 cross-border truck shipments, improving last-mile logistics.
- 1,000+ tons of air freight cargo, supporting the e-commerce and manufacturing sectors.
- 30,000 square meters of warehouse space across Union Dry Port and Teng Lay Dry Port.
Maersk has also improved ocean freight connectivity, introducing multiple barge departures from Phnom Penh to Vung Tau, providing Cambodian exporters with a cost-effective and reliable alternative while leveraging the company’s Gemini network for global transshipment.
“Our mission is to offer seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions that empower Cambodia’s businesses to compete in the global market,” Heijsteeg added.
Future Outlook: Logistics Investments and Infrastructure Needs
Looking ahead to 2025, Maersk Cambodia is implementing a strategic roadmap to address rising logistics demand. Key priorities include:
- Expanding cross-border trucking services to enhance trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
- Optimizing feeder and barge services to decongest ports and streamline shipping routes.
- Developing cold chain logistics to support the agriculture, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
- Leveraging digital logistics solutions for improved shipment tracking and supply chain efficiency.
Despite these efforts, Cambodia’s infrastructure gaps remain a key concern. Heijsteeg emphasized that greater investment in roads, ports, and intermodal transport systems will be critical to sustaining logistics growth.
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“If Cambodia wants to solidify its position as a logistics leader in the Mekong region, infrastructure development must be a priority,” he said.
Maersk: Scaling Up Logistics Capabilities
With its strategic location, growing manufacturing base, and increasing trade agreements, Cambodia has the potential to become a major logistics hub in Southeast Asia. However, this will require continued infrastructure investment, regulatory improvements, and industry collaboration.
For companies like Maersk, the focus remains on scaling up logistics capabilities, optimizing supply chains, and working with stakeholders to drive Cambodia’s trade competitiveness.
