The search for private sector to operate LCP's CO berth is in line with the Government's policy to encourage Thailand to be the automobile distribution centre of the region as well as to develop logistics chain to increase competitions in the country.

Statistics from LCP has shown the increment of automobile cargoes rising up from 182,612 units in fiscal year 2002 to 253,082 units and 330,327 units in 2003 and 2004 respectively. The vehicle export demand is expected to increase rapidly and will occupy the handling capacities of the A1 and A5 berth to its full extent very soon. Therefore, LCP has to hasten the expansion of the Ro/Ro berth to support the demand, preventing the recession of public economic system.

The need for more docking area had urged the LCP to consider private sectors involve in the investment, management, and operation of the CO berth, encouraging Thailand to be the automobile export centre of the region. The development plan for CO berth aims not only to be the main Ro/Ro berth, but also to be able to handle automobile cargoes exceeding 1.0 million units a year. The Port Authority of Thailand's council agreed in the 3/2004 meeting that LCP should search for private sectors to contract in management and operation for the CO berth to be Ro/Ro berth, conventional berth and container berth limited to 50 TEU.

Project duration: February 2005 - April 2005