Pottering along beside the 'Khong the other day I thought I'd pop into the new Chiang Saen port being built & check it out. {} {} {} {} {} {} {} I was impressed, a big serious development, but not so easy to understand maybe? The plan in colour which helps a little {} Some info gleaned from the web The Chiang Saen Port http://www.csp.port.co.th/eng/dataset2/data1.html Chiang Saen Port has been built to serve the government's policy on improving international transport network for the convenience of tourism, trade and investment. It is part of the government's efforts to promote the country as a gateway for the development of Indochina and the Greater Mekong Sub-Region under the cooperation of six countries including Thailand, China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. On March 25, 2003, the Cabinet resolved to authorize the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to manage and operate the port, which was officially put into service on October 1, 2003. The New Location Of Chiang Saen Port Due to the location of the present Port is too small, Maritime Department has been assigned for feasibility study of the new location for Chiang Saen Port. The primary study shows that the port will be moved to the south about 10 Km. with area around 400 rai, bigger than present about 40 times. The location is in Mae Nam Kok estuary, not adjacent to the bank of Mekong River. The construction is designing. The new Chiang Saen Port will consist of: 6 berths which are loaded by manpower 9 berths which are loaded by conveyer belt 6 container terminal 1 petroleum berth 6 passenger berth The new Chiang Saen Port will be a important port for trading in this region between Thai and China. The new Chiang Saen Port will be the gateway for import-export from South China and a linkage for modal transport from China – Bangkok – Laem Chabang Port. Facilities & Utilities Berth 1. Two 50-meter long pontoons that can serve four cargo ships simultaneously. Each pontoon is capable to accommodate 6-9 trucks. 2. 250-meter long quayside that can accommodate three cargo ships. It is convenient for the loading and discharging of heavy cargoes that need a mobile crane to lift. Since the tide of the Mekong River is high during July-December, ships at the quayside can count on a sliding board to load cargoes boxes on board conveniently. Cargo Handling 1. Two mobile cranes with a capacity of 10 metric tons and 50 metric tons 2. Two forklifts with a capacity of 5 metric tons and 10 metric tons 3. A set of 3 conveyor belts Last but not least - I dont really believe this going on what I saw the other day...however.... New Chiang Saen Port To Open April 1 http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1053398 The Port Authority of Thailand will launch the Chiang Sean 2 port in Chiang Rai Province next month. Port Authority of Thailand Governor Chalermchai Meekhuniam disclosed that the Chiang Saen 2 port in Chiang Saen District of Chiang Rai Province will be ready to provide services starting on April 1. Officers are currently still solving minor problems at the newly-completed port while officers from the Marine Department, the Customs Department, the Revenue Department, and the Food and Drug Administration will move in soon. The Transport Ministry will inspect the port's readiness on March 20 and 21. The governor went on to say that the 400 rai area of the port will be able to accommodate the docking of all ships, unlike the Chiang Saen 1 port which has limited space. He is also confident that the new port will be able to generate more revenue. Marine Department Director General Tawanrat Onsira said the department has been dredging the river at the Chiang Saen 2 port and the work should be completed by March 20. Chiang Saen 1 port sees goods worth 11 billion baht pass through it every year. Nine billion baht are from exported goods, namely frozen chicken parts, palm oil, and beverages, while about one billion baht's worth of goods are imported via the port each year. Most imported products are fruits and vegetables. Chiang Saen port handles mostly trade with China. Arh, progress at any ever increasing pace!
