Background
The project establishes national capacity to produce, update and distribute electronic nautical charts that support maritime navigation and port operations in Cambodia. The initiative focuses on charting port approaches and coastal waters, including the Sihanoukville automatic port area, to improve navigational information available to vessels operating in Cambodian waters.
Implementation is scheduled for four years from 2027 to 2030 following a hydrographic survey expected at the end of 2026. The programme is financed through Japanese government assistance administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will be implemented in cooperation between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and JICA.
Key Developments
On 2 July 2026, MPWT hosted a signing ceremony for the memorandum related to the project at the ministry headquarters. Secretary of State Ieng Vengsoun presided over the event and JICA senior representative Miura Yoshiko signed on behalf of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; attendees included senior ministry officials, the General Department of Waterborne Transport, Maritime and Ports, technical officers, and JICA technical experts.
Institutional Role
MPWT will coordinate implementation and engage its General Department of Waterborne Transport, Maritime and Ports for operational oversight and technical liaison. JICA will provide technical cooperation and financial assistance under bilateral development cooperation arrangements to support survey, charting and capacity-building activities.
Operational Implications
Planned activities will include conducting hydrographic surveys, producing and updating electronic nautical chart data sets, and establishing distribution mechanisms so that navigational information reaches mariners and port operators. These operational steps are intended to strengthen navigational information infrastructure and support safer vessel operations in targeted port and coastal zones.
