Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) coordinates digital modernization and operational oversight for Cambodia’s seaports and river ports. The Port Electronic Data Interchange (Port EDI) standardizes electronic submission of arrival, departure and cargo documentation between shipping companies, terminal operators and port authorities.
Integration between Port EDI, the Terminal Operating System (ITOS), and the Container Terminal Management System (CTMS) enables automated exchange of berthing, cargo-handling and gate-transaction data. MPWT’s Port EDI modernization is intended to replace paper-based permit applications and arrival-departure forms used at Cambodian ports and to streamline procedures for cargo vessels and international passengers.
Key Developments
On 7 October 2026 MPWT convened a meeting led by Deputy Secretary of State Nim Sotha to present progress on Port EDI modernization and to plan system integration activities. Attendees included leadership from the Directorate General for Waterway, Maritime and Port Transport, representatives from the Directorate General of Technology and Public Relations, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, technical specialists and other stakeholders. The meeting focused on preparing a system integration plan between Port EDI and port operating systems such as ITOS and CTMS.
Institutional Role
MPWT acts as the coordinating authority for implementing digital systems that affect port operations, inter-agency data exchange and service delivery across public ports. Autonomous port operators are responsible for their local IT systems and for aligning those systems with national-level integration specifications defined by MPWT.
Operational Implications
MPWT indicated that Port EDI aims to automate permit application and arrival-departure form workflows, with the objective of reducing paper processing and accelerating cargo and passenger handling. The planned integration with ITOS and CTMS is expected to enable more timely sharing of operational data between terminals and port authorities, which MPWT presents as a measure to improve efficiency, reduce costs and shorten transaction times.
Source: MPWT Facebook post (7 October 2026): https://www.facebook.com/mpwt.gov.kh/posts/pfbid0exsR2nFAgTMpCENq5WQ2gq5fGfjF8GkuJx9F6Kxsux9TRJPdYA4L5fMxv8bQMoqul
