Sihanoukville
Cambodia
1. Port Overview
The Port of Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, or PAS) is located on the southwestern coast of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, about 230 km from the capital Phnom Penh. It is Cambodia's main deep-water seaport and the country's primary gateway for container imports and exports. The port serves the Phnom Penh metropolitan area, the economic zones along National Road 4 and the whole of Cambodia, and is an important channel for exports such as garments, footwear and bags, and for imports such as building materials, machinery and textile fabrics.
Bofeng Logistics provides ocean freight to Cambodia via Sihanoukville together with destination-side coordination.
2. Port Scale and Facilities
The port comprises container terminals, general cargo berths and other operating areas, and is able to handle container vessels on both mainline and intra-Asia services. In recent years the port has continued to expand its container terminal capacity and upgrade equipment to keep pace with Cambodia's growing trade. The port is linked to the capital by the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, about 187 km long; since it opened, the journey between the two cities has been reduced to about two hours, significantly improving port connectivity.
Phnom Penh is a river port on the Mekong, connected to Vietnamese ports via the river; it suits cargo in and around central Phnom Penh. Actual calls and routing depend on the carrier's arrangements.
3. Main Shipping Routes from China
| Port of Origin | Estimated Transit Time | Common Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen (Shekou/Yantian) | About 5-8 days (direct) | SITC, RCL, COSCO |
| Nansha (Guangzhou) | About 6-9 days (direct or transshipment) | SITC, RCL |
| Shenzhen/Nansha | About 8-12 days (via Ho Chi Minh City and other ports) | COSCO, Evergreen |
Intra-Asia sailings on the Indochina routes are relatively frequent; actual schedules and port calls are subject to the carrier's publication at the time of booking.
4. China-Cambodia Trade and Logistics
China is an important trading partner for Cambodia. The China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement and RCEP both entered into force on 1 January 2022, providing zero tariffs or tariff reductions for the vast majority of goods. Cambodia imports from China mainly machinery and equipment, textile fabrics and accessories, electronics, building materials, chemicals and consumer goods, and exports to China mainly garments, footwear, bags, rice, rubber, cassava and tropical fruit.
Bofeng Logistics field notes: Cambodian garment and footwear factories are concentrated in Phnom Penh and the economic zones along National Road 4, and cargo is usually trucked from the port to the factories via the expressway. Shipments claiming China-Cambodia FTA or RCEP preferential rates need a valid certificate of origin (such as Form E) and must meet the agreement's routing and documentation rules. Inland road transport may take longer during the rainy season, so it is advisable to allow buffer time in delivery schedules.
5. Shipping Notes
Frequently asked questions
Q: How congested is Sihanoukville?
A: Operating efficiency at Sihanoukville is in line with normal levels among intra-Asia ports in Southeast Asia. Waiting time and yard space can tighten during peak season and around public holidays. Sailing and arrival arrangements should be based on booking confirmation.
Q: Are there special requirements for imports into Cambodia?
A: Cambodian customs applies risk management and channel-based inspection, and declarations should match the actual cargo. Some categories require permits from the relevant ministry or must meet labeling and certification requirements; goods claiming FTA preferences need a valid certificate of origin. Confirm the specific requirements by HS code before shipment.
Q: Can cargo be delivered to a factory in Phnom Penh after arrival?
A: Yes, on request. Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh are connected by expressway, and whether delivery can be arranged and the related cost depend on the address, cargo volume and local network, and must be confirmed manually.
6. Bofeng Logistics Services
- Full container load (FCL): 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ
- Less than container load (LCL): Shenzhen/Nansha to Sihanoukville consolidation
- Customs clearance: China export clearance plus Cambodian import clearance consultation
- Cambodia inland trucking: Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh and the economic zones along National Road 4, on request
Contact us for current rates and sailing options.
Related line: China-Cambodia International Sea Freight Logistics Line