Siam Pattana Maritime successfully delivered 20 trains from Japan to the Laem Chabang Port in Thailand for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). This operation showcased the company’s capabilities and specialized expertise in transporting large project cargo, highlighting their professional integrated transportation solutions.

As a subsidiary of Siam ECL, Siam Pattana Maritime (SPM) is a leading transportation provider in Thailand and their achievement in transporting the trains further solidifies their position in the industry. The company’s success in this specialized project cargo transportation operation not only demonstrates their experience and expertise but also their ability to respond to strict customer needs while maintaining high flexibility to overcome various challenges and ensure agile, smooth, and time-accurate transportation.

During an interview, LM spoke with Mr. Toru Fukada, Managing Director, Mr. Thanit Hanbenjaphong, Director, and Ms. Kotchakorn Sampaopoke, Marketing Manager at Siam Pattana Maritime and Siam ECL. They provided valuable insights into the details of the train transportation operation from Japan to the Laem Chabang Port, discussing planning guidelines and the processes used to overcome the challenges faced during the operation, ultimately contributing to the project’s success.

Experience and Expertise

The transportation project to move trains from Japan to the Laem Chabang Port has begun with Siam Pattana Maritime emerging as the winner of the State Railway of Thailand‘s auction for large, high-value project cargo transportation. Siam Pattana Maritime partnered with ISS Global Forwarding (Thailand) and has been chosen to transport the trains to Thailand. The trains supplied by JR East in Japan have been successfully delivered to the State Railway of Thailand. Once in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand will modify and operate the trains on the Bangkok – Ayutthaya route, with the expected activation date set for 2024.

“We at Siam Pattana Maritime have extensive experience in maritime transportation, including the transport of various types of cargo such as project cargo, large and heavy cargo, and bulk cargo vessels. Winning this auction demonstrates our capability to provide specialized expertise and experience in transporting such cargo,” stated Mr. Hanbenjaphong.

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– Mr. Thanit Hanbenjaphong, Director, Siam Pattana Maritime and Siam ECL –

“Besides our expertise in transporting cargo from Japan, China, and other Asian countries to Thailand, our ability to operate Thai vessels with high-capacity efficiency is crucial for handling project cargo for government agencies and enterprises. We are well-equipped with Thai vessels and transportation expertise, which contributed to our success in this auction,” added Ms. Sampaopoke.

“Siam Pattana Maritime has a history of undertaking similar large-scale transportation projects for government agencies, including the transportation of the Red Line Mass Transit System in 2019, the State Railway of Thailand’s double-track rails, PTT gas pipelines, large transformers and equipment for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and numerous giant wind turbines,” noted Mr. Fukada.

Operations and Partnerships

After winning the auction, Siam Pattana Maritime has initiated plans to transport 20 Kiha 40 and Kiha 48 trains from Niigata Port, Japan, to Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi, Thailand. This ambitious project reflects the expertise and professionalism of the crew, as well as the strong partnership network that has been crucial in supporting Siam Pattana Maritime throughout this highly challenging cargo transportation project.

Mr. Hanbenjaphong emphasized the importance of specialized expertise and experience in handling the transport of train cargos, which present challenges in terms of size, length, and weight. He highlighted the necessity for precise operation planning, vessel supply, loading planning, and ensuring cargo safety. He also stressed the significance of the operators’ high level of knowledge and skills in addressing any limitations and challenges promptly and accurately.

Furthermore, Ms. Sampaopoke emphasized that Siam Pattana Maritime prioritizes aligning vessel supply with customers’ desired timelines, exemplified in their collaboration with Jutha Marine to deploy the Jutha Malee vessel in operation, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive and robust partnership network in facilitating the transportation process.

Siam Pattana Maritime has also received substantial support from Eastern Car Liner (ECL), a long-standing partner that played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this transportation endeavour. Mr. Fukada further emphasized the valuable contribution of ECL, who possess extensive experience in the maritime transportation industry and provided crucial insight into local markets of multiple countries, thus ensuring efficient and seamless transportation for all shipments.

Enhancing Capabilities

The successful train transport operations from Japan to Laem Chabang Port mark a significant achievement for Siam Pattana Maritime in meeting customer demands. The company is committed to further expanding its services, particularly enhancing its vessel fleet capabilities to provide comprehensive transportation services. Siam ECL, a subsidiary of Siam Pattana Maritime, operates a fleet of 40 vessels, including conventional, bulk cargo, and RO/RO vessels, serving various regions such as Asia, India, America, Canada, and the Middle East. Additionally, Siam Pattana Maritime plans to introduce a new vessel to support the Thai vessel fleet by 2025, aiming to enhance efficiency. Furthermore, Siam ECL’s partners in Japan have recently deployed four additional vessels, significantly boosting the company’s capabilities.

The success of the train transporting operation from Japan to Laem Chabang Port, a major project of the State Railway of Thailand, demonstrates Siam Pattana Maritime’s expertise, operational capabilities, and strong partnership network as a leading transport services provider. The company is dedicated to expanding its service network and increasing capacity capabilities, including deploying more vessels for comprehensive operations. Siam Pattana Maritime is committed to continuously developing and expanding its capabilities to meet the transportation needs of its customers.

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