The stock-listed Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP) is set to give the LM17 container terminal just east of the capital a much-needed layout overhaul to relieve congestion.

The river-port operator said this in a March 3 statement signed by director-general Hey Bavy and released to the media on March 21.

Admitting that the current design was not very efficient, the state-owned PPAP noted that barges often have to lift piles of containers to reach their designated cargo, leading to congestion and increased transport costs.

To ensure efficiency in the flow of goods, PPAP said it would sort containers based on transit port and barge operator, ordering transport companies to provide staff with the required documents once the containers reach the terminal’s gate.

The staff will then feed the information into the terminal operating system (TOS) to optimise the sorting process, PPAP said.

Alternatively, shipping companies can enter the data into the TOS online via the Booking Truck Call feature available on PPAP’s website, it added.

PPAP warned that it is considering a marshalling fee for businesses that fail to have these details inputted into the TOS or that give incorrect information.

Logistics Business Association (LOBA) president Chea Chandara told The Post that the move would make it easier to properly organise and move containers out of the terminal, calling on companies to comply with PPAP’s orders.

“With more and better cooperation, it’ll be easier to arrange containers at the port, and also reduce congestion outside the port,” he said.

LM17 container terminal is in Kandal Loeu village, Banteay Dek commune in Kandal’s Kien Svay district, around 25km east on National Highway 1 from Monivong Bridge.