Background
On 13 February 2023, the British Royal Navy vessel HMS SPEY (P234) arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for a five-day visit. According to Royal Cambodian Navy officers, this is the first time a United Kingdom naval warship has entered a Cambodian port. The visit was organized under the Ministry of National Defence framework to strengthen ties between the Royal Cambodian Navy and the British Royal Navy.
Scope of Application
The activities during the port call involved personnel from the Royal Cambodian Navy, including officers from the Navy and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The engagement covered shipboard and port-based interactions, joint training activities, and official courtesy exchanges between the command of HMS SPEY and Cambodian naval leadership.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the visit, HMS SPEY conducted the following activities in cooperation with the Royal Cambodian Navy:
- A five-day port call at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port from 13 to 17 February 2023.
- Joint exercises focused on firefighting, emergency water damage control on board, and sports activities between personnel of both navies.
- Experience-sharing and professional exchanges between the two sides during the joint drills.
- A formal welcome and courtesy engagements hosted by Rear Admiral Ouk Seiha, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy and Commander of the Naval Base, for the delegation led by Lieutenant Commander Michael Proudman, Commanding Officer of HMS SPEY (P234).
The technical characteristics of HMS SPEY were also noted: length 90.4 metres, beam 13.5 metres, draught 4.3 metres, displacement 2,000 tons, and a complement of 67 personnel.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The visit represents a defence-to-defence engagement and naval diplomacy activity rather than a regulatory or commercial measure. It indicates ongoing cooperation and relationship-building between Cambodia and the United Kingdom in the defence and maritime domains but does not create new legal, commercial, or compliance obligations for businesses or investors.
Official Source
This information is based on an announcement from the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia regarding the port call and joint activities of HMS SPEY (P234) with the Royal Cambodian Navy at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
