Precision and Reliability Drive Siam Pattana Maritime to Japan’s Tallest Skyscraper

Siam Pattana Maritime (SPM), a subsidiary of Siam ECL and Eastern Car Liner (ECL), has been awarded a contract by M.C.S. Steel Public Company Limited to transport large steel structures for Torch Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo. Securing this annual contract, valued at approximately 300 million baht, underscores SPM’s growing international capabilities and places Thailand’s logistics industry firmly on the global stage.

In the logistics sector, particularly in project cargo, few assignments showcase a freight provider’s true potential as clearly as the Torch Tower project, which is scheduled for completion in 2028. Winning this contract reflects the project owner’s confidence in SPM’s expertise and reinforces the company’s position as a leader in international project cargo transportation.

In this issue, LM speaks with Mr. Thanit Hanbenjaphong, Director of Siam Pattana Maritime and Siam ECL, to explore the story behind this success and the company’s strategic direction for future growth.

Entrusted with a Landmark Project

Torch Tower forms part of a large-scale urban development project in Tokyo and requires steel structures of exceptional size and weight, manufactured and transported to exacting engineering standards. Meeting these requirements demands specialized expertise, meticulous planning, and extensive experience, along with rigorous risk management at every stage of transportation, from route planning and cargo weight calculations to stowage design and specialized crane operations.

For SPM, the project represents a critical milestone, built on its long-standing experience in project cargo and close collaboration with Japanese partners, as well as a deep understanding of Japan’s strict safety and quality standards.

Beyond its commercial value, the Tokyo Torch Tower project significantly enhances the company’s corporate image. It highlights Thailand’s role in the global logistics market at the mega-project level, where international expertise, precision, and accountability are essential. This assignment goes far beyond transportation alone; it is an exercise in risk management and responsibility at every stage, where even minor delays or cargo damage could disrupt the entire project timeline.

Standout Capabilities

SPM is a leading sea transportation provider offering a comprehensive range of services. The company operates multipurpose, project cargo, and bulk cargo vessels, supported by the extensive transportation network of Eastern Car Liner (ECL). This robust foundation enables SPM to meet diverse customer requirements. Building on this platform, the Torch Tower project highlights four key strengths.

1. Project Cargo and Heavy-Lift Expertise

SPM has extensive hands-on experience transporting steel structures, machinery, and large industrial equipment, cargo that requires customized logistics solutions rather than standardized processes.

2. Understanding of Japanese Standards

Japan places strong emphasis on safety, punctuality, and quality. Working with Japanese construction firms and engineers requires both technical expertise and cultural understanding, an area where SPM has developed considerable proficiency.

3. Maritime Partnerships and Port Networks

SPM maintains an extensive partner network, enabling close coordination with shipping lines to secure high-quality vessels for project cargo transportation. Its familiarity with shipping routes to Japan allows for safe voyage planning and seamless coordination between origin and destination ports.

4. Professional Project Management

From pre-shipment planning and risk simulations to real-time operational control, SPM applies global best practices in project management to ensure reliability and build long-term customer trust.

Elevating Thai Industry Standards

Being selected as a transportation provider for one of Japan’s most prominent construction projects reflects the growing capability of Thailand’s logistics industry, moving beyond regional operations to compete on a global scale. The achievement sends a positive signal to international investors, partners, and logistics professionals across the industry.

“This project is one of the achievements our team is most proud of,” Mr. Thanit said. “It demonstrates that Thai companies can meet international standards. Contributing to the construction of one of Asia’s tallest buildings creates not only revenue, but also reputation and reliability that will support future projects.”

While transportation for the Torch Tower project will continue through 2026–2027, the company views this milestone as the starting point for expanded project cargo opportunities in Japan, East Asia, and global markets, for both SPM and Thailand’s logistics sector.

Beyond the Milestone

SPM is now preparing to build on this success by expanding its capabilities in global project cargo and oversized cargo logistics. A key step in this strategy is the delivery of a new heavy-lift vessel, GIGA TRANS, scheduled to join the fleet later this year.

Designed specifically for project cargo operations, GIGA TRANS offers a 500-ton lifting capacity, significantly strengthening SPM’s technical capabilities. The vessel will support ECL’s new service focusing on oversized cargo, including steel structures for high-rise buildings, large industrial machinery, power generation equipment, infrastructure projects, and factory installations.

The vessel will primarily operate on routes between Japan and the United States, one of the world’s highest-value markets for project cargo, where demand for advanced logistics standards remains strong.

“This investment reflects ECL’s evolution from a transportation provider into a strategic partner for project cargo customers,” Mr. Thanit said. “By combining our global network, experienced project cargo teams, and deep understanding of Japanese and American standards, we can deliver fully integrated services, from logistics planning and structural assessments to heavy-lift operations, while maintaining precise control over project timelines.”

The addition of GIGA TRANS represents a long-term strategic investment that strengthens the ECL Group’s competitive position while further differentiating its specialized services in the global market.

Today, the ECL Group operates 40 owned and chartered vessels across Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. SPM also provides Thai-flagged vessels and vessels with equivalent operating rights, supporting a wide range of shipments, particularly project, oversized, and heavy cargo. Through tailored logistics solutions, the company serves both private and public sector clients.

Securing the Torch Tower contract marks a defining moment for SPM, reinforcing its international standards and long-term commitment to capability expansion. Looking ahead, the company plans to order a new Thai-flagged vessel this year, continuing its mission to support global projects while elevating Thailand’s logistics industry on the world stage.

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