Gulftainer strengthens Middle East-Asia cargo links

UAE-based Gulftainer has signed a binding agreement to invest in Suksawat Terminal in Thailand, marking its entry into the country and strengthening its wider trade and logistics network between Asia and the Middle East. The terminal, south of Bangkok, serves importers and exporters across Greater Bangkok and has barge links to Laem Chabang.

The investment will increase cargo-handling capacity and productivity, supporting the movement of goods between Bangkok, Laem Chabang and international markets. This will provide stronger inland connections for cargo moving through Thailand’s manufacturing and distribution networks.

The terminal will serve cargo from sectors including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, petrochemicals and food exports. Gulftainer also plans to link the operation with inland transport and logistics services to improve cargo flows and end-to-end supply chains.

Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, said: “Thailand represents an important milestone in Gulftainer’s international growth. Suksawat gives us an established operating platform in one of Southeast Asia’s most important manufacturing, consumption and export markets, and a strong foundation from which we can build for the long term.

“Our ambition goes well beyond the terminal itself. We want to build an integrated trade and logistics platform in Thailand, combining ports, inland logistics, industrial infrastructure and maritime connectivity to provide customers with increasingly efficient access to regional and international markets.

The investment forms part of Gulftainer’s expansion across Southeast Asia and its strategy to strengthen trade connections linking Asia with the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.