Yangon Port, Myanmar’s major maritime gateway, recorded significant activity in 2025 as it handled 609 container vessels during the first ten months of the year. This milestone highlights the port’s expanding operational capacity and reflects improving logistics flow despite regional economic challenges. According to reports from Myanmar’s Global New Light and updates from the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the number represents an increase of 61 container vessels compared with the same period in 2024.

With this pace, Yangon Port is projected to handle around 700 container vessels in the entire year 2025, reinforcing its position as a critical hub for Myanmar’s import–export activities. In comparison, the port processed 633 vessels in 2024 and 629 vessels in 2023, showing a consistent growth trend.

Improved Channel Conditions Boosting Throughput

One of the key drivers behind the growth in container vessel volume is the improvement of navigational channels. The Kings Bank Channel, which serves as an essential access route for large cargo ships entering Yangon River, has undergone continuous dredging and maintenance. This enhancement allows bigger container vessels to berth safely and efficiently, directly increasing Yangon Port’s ability to accommodate higher-volume maritime traffic.

Port operators also report that vessel berthing and clearance times have improved as port authorities deploy updated logistics coordination systems and standardized procedures. These operational upgrades have helped Yangon Port remain competitive among regional ports.

Rising Maritime Demand in Myanmar

The increase in Yangon Port container vessels corresponds with a broader rebound in Myanmar’s consumer and industrial demand. Despite economic volatility, sectors such as FMCG, agricultural goods, textiles, and construction materials continue to rely heavily on maritime cargo.

Additionally, several terminals surrounding Yangon—such as Thilawa Port, Myanmar Industrial Port, and other private jetties—are contributing to overall capacity. On average, these combined ports handle 4–6 container ships per day, supporting the steady flow of goods into and out of the country.

Impact on Regional Trade and Thai Exporters

For Thai exporters, particularly those shipping food products, household goods, and construction materials, the expansion of container handling capacity at Yangon Port offers tangible benefits:

1. Faster cargo turnover

Improved berthing efficiency shortens container waiting time, reducing overall logistics costs for exporters.

2. More predictable shipping schedules

Greater consistency in vessel arrivals and departures means businesses can plan cross-border supply chains with improved accuracy.

3. Stabilizing freight rates

As port congestion decreases and vessel volume normalizes, shipping lines are better able to maintain stable freight rates and transit times.

This makes Yangon Port a more reliable gateway for Thailand–Myanmar trade, especially for companies relying on weekly or bi-weekly maritime schedules.

Operational Insights from Yangon Port

Port authorities highlight several operational developments that continue to enhance capacity:

Better channel depth enabling larger vessel sizes
Ongoing dredging projects to maintain navigational safety
Increased private port participation supporting national logistics
Higher frequency of container services by regional shipping lines

These factors collectively contribute to the strong performance recorded in 2025.

Outlook for 2026

With infrastructure improvements underway, Yangon Port is positioned to maintain or exceed current throughput levels in 2026. The expected completion of ongoing channel maintenance and increased investment in port automation could further strengthen Myanmar’s maritime competitiveness.

Logistics specialists anticipate that trade flows between Thailand and Myanmar will continue to rise as consumer demand stabilizes and transportation networks become more efficient.

External Sources (DoFollow Links)

Global New Light of Myanmar: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/yangon-port-handles-609-container-vessels-in-ten-months
DITP Thailand: https://www.ditp.go.th

Yangon Port Container Vessels Reach 609 in First 10 Months of 2025