Revisiting Sahathai Terminal and Logizall’s Barge Service: A New Wave in Thai River Logistics
Revisiting Sahathai Terminal and Logizall’s Barge Service: A New Wave in Thai River Logistics
Months after Sahathai Terminal and Logizall announced their collaboration to launch a new barge service for importers and exporters, LOGINEWS revisits the story to see how this initiative is transforming Thailand’s logistics landscape.
From easing port congestion to boosting sustainability, the partnership is proving to be more than just a pilot project — it’s setting a new standard for river-based logistics in Southeast Asia.
Background: A Strategic Move on the Chao Phraya River
When the partnership was first announced, Sahathai Terminal—located in Bang Ya Phraek, Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan—stood out as one of Thailand’s most promising private river ports.
Equipped with container yard facilities, general and bonded warehouses, and barge connections linking directly to Laem Chabang Port, the terminal introduced an ambitious pilot project: shifting container operations from land to river routes to reduce congestion and create alternative freight pathways.
This decision was timely. With rising road congestion and container traffic around Laem Chabang, businesses were in need of smarter, more cost-efficient logistics options.
Progress Since the Launch
Since the original report, the Sahathai–Logizall barge service has made notable progress. Importers, exporters, and freight forwarders have increasingly adopted the service to bypass road delays and streamline operations.
Industry insiders told LOGINEWS that the turnaround time has improved by up to 30%, while freight cost reductions average between 10–15% per shipment. These measurable gains have made the barge service one of the most practical alternatives for businesses aiming to optimize their supply chains.
Expanding Regional Connectivity
One of the project’s biggest achievements is its growing network of direct connections to Asia’s leading ports. Containers shipped from Sahathai Terminal now have established barge routes that connect to:
- China
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Singapore
This connectivity enables Thailand to strengthen its role as a logistics hub for Southeast Asia, reducing dependency on a single maritime gateway and offering more flexible trade routes.
Voices from the Industry
During LOGINEWS’ revisit, several freight forwarders praised the collaborative model encouraged by the Sahathai–Logizall initiative. By combining cargo volumes, freight forwarders can negotiate better rates and more reliable vessel schedules with shipping lines.
“The partnership has opened doors for smaller freight companies to compete on fairer terms,” said one Bangkok-based forwarder.
“By sharing capacity, we achieve scale — and that helps the entire logistics ecosystem.”
This collective approach is strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness and encouraging a spirit of collaboration over competition among logistics players.
Driving Sustainability in Freight
The environmental benefits have also become more apparent since the project’s launch. By reducing reliance on trucks and increasing river barge utilization, Sahathai Terminal contributes to:
- Lower CO₂ emissions from idling trucks
- Less traffic congestion on major logistics routes
- More efficient fuel consumption per container
This shift aligns with Thailand’s sustainability roadmap and global efforts to promote green logistics solutions that support both economic and environmental progress.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up River Port Logistics
As demand for the service grows, Sahathai Terminal and Logizall are exploring ways to scale the model further. Future plans include:
- Expanding barge schedules to accommodate higher cargo volumes
- Enhancing digital tracking systems for real-time visibility
- Strengthening international partnerships to connect with more ports across Asia
Industry observers note that this pilot could serve as a blueprint for river logistics expansion throughout Thailand, potentially linking multiple inland terminals via sustainable barge routes.
The Bigger Picture
LOGINEWS’ revisit highlights how a single collaboration between a private terminal and a logistics technology company can reshape national freight strategy.
The Sahathai Terminal–Logizall partnership represents a microcosm of Thailand’s evolving logistics ecosystem — one where innovation, collaboration, and sustainability are no longer optional, but essential.
By leveraging the natural potential of the Chao Phraya River and combining it with smart logistics management, the project demonstrates how Thailand can stay competitive in a rapidly transforming trade environment.
Conclusion
When LOGINEWS first covered this story, the partnership between Sahathai Terminal and Logizall was still an ambitious idea. Today, it stands as a successful proof of concept — improving efficiency, lowering costs, and promoting sustainable logistics in Thailand.
As barge transport gains momentum, this initiative serves as a reminder that smart partnerships can move industries forward — one container at a time.
