Revenue from the business operations of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP) reached over $32 million in the first eight months of 2025, an increase of nearly 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. Experts suggest that this figure is set to rise even higher once the Techo Funan Canal project — which will connect inland waterways to the sea — becomes operational.
A September 16 PPAPP report to the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) indicated that from January to August, the port’s business activities progressed smoothly. It generated $32.43 million, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The revenue came from port operations ($27.19 million), Port authority services ($4.33 million) and other services ($0.9 million).
In August alone, PPAP earned $5.2 million, an 18% increase compared to August 2024.
Sam Soknoeun, chairman of SAM SN Group, told The Post that he believed both the operations and revenue of PPAP will rise significantly once the Techo Funan Canal project is launched.
The canal will connect the Kingdom’s inland waterway systems to seaports, passing through Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep provinces, a total distance of about 180 kilometres.
He added that the canal will offer major benefits to Cambodia, particularly in the logistics and transport sectors.
This will include reducing transportation costs, shortening delivery time and distance, lessening road damage, traffic congestion and accidents, simplifying customs and navigation procedures for cargo movement, and supporting the development of logistics hubs, special economic zones and new ports.
Additionally, it will help expand agricultural and irrigation zones, boost freshwater fisheries along the canal, improve flood control during the rainy season, and stimulate real estate and investment opportunities.
“The Techo Funan Canal is a highly significant national infrastructure project, particularly for Cambodia’s economic and social development. Once operational, the movement of goods via inland waterways from Phnom Penh Autonomous Port to seaports will become much more active than it is today,” he added.
Chea Chandara, president of the Cambodian Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association, noted that the Kingdom’s freight and logistics sector has seen strong momentum since the end of 2023. The growth is driven by an increasing amount of foreign direct investment, which has been pushing the sector forward.
“For 2025, we’ve observed a rise in investor involvement since late 2024, surpassing the levels of 2023. That’s why I believe 2025 could turn out to be even better than 2024, especially judging from the first few months of this year,” he said.
The report to the CSX showed that in 2024, PPAP handled 4,894 vessels, a 26.82% increase from 2023.
Container throughput reached 480,200 TEUs, up 21.19%, and cargo and gas-fuel volumes hit 4,806,654 tonnes, a 15.91% increase.
