On July 4, 2023, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn led a group of government officials and the fourth-year army cadets from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy on a field trip to Terminal D at Hutchison Ports Thailand, Laem Chabang Port. The visit was part of their English Program studies on global security history and American history.
Mr. Stephen Ashworth, Managing Director of Thailand and South East Asia, Hutchison Ports, and Mr. Anat Machima, Chief Operating Officer, Hutchison Ports Thailand, extended a warm welcome to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Laem Chabang Port Welfare Center. Mr. Ashworth then delivered a presentation on the ‘Sustainable Future of Hutchison Ports Thailand’ at the Trae-Thong 1 convention hall.
Hutchison Ports Thailand (HPT) is a member of Hutchison Ports Group, the world’s leading port investor, developer and operator with a network of 54 ports in 25 countries worldwide. Hutchison Ports is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings headquartered in Hong Kong. HPT is committed to implementing sustainable practices that prioritize environmental and social protection. For instance, it has embraced autonomous trucks and remote-controlled ship-to-shore and yard cranes, powered by electricity. This initiative significantly reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, they have implemented an LED lighting system, an electronic tax invoicing and receipt system, as well as a gate automation system, all aimed at minimizing paper usage and driving efficiency. Furthermore, they actively participate in eco-conscious endeavours such as tree planting initiatives under the ‘Go Green’ program and are collaborating with the Faculty of International Maritime Studies, Kasetsart University Sriracha Campus, to contribute to education in the field. HPT also places great emphasis on gender diversity, striving to promote gender equality within their workplace.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn then visited HPT’s Terminal D. Ms. Amy Tang, Head of Finance, extended a warm welcome to the Visitor Center. Mr. Ashworth took this opportunity to present an overview of HPT together with a briefing on remote-controlled technologies.
HPT commenced operations on February 6, 2002, and now manages seven terminals within Laem Chabang Port. With an accumulated container throughput exceeding 35 million TEUs, HPT has a 40% market share at Laem Chabang Port. The construction of Terminal D commenced in November 2016. When completed, the terminal will include a 1700-metre quay equipped with 17 super post-panamax ship-to-shore cranes and 43 rubber tyred yard cranes, all using remote control technology. The annual handling capacity at Terminal D is expected to be around 3.4 million TEUs. Furthermore, electric autonomous and conventional trucks will be deployed at the terminal instead of conventional diesel trucks, in line with their commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Next, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had the opportunity to witness the operations firsthand at Terminal D. She observed the skilled container crane operators expertly handling their tasks, controlling the cranes remotely, and the operation of autonomous trucks, all from the remote control operation room. Terminal D stands as a remarkable achievement, being the world’s first terminal where both autonomous and manned trucks seamlessly navigate shared roadways in the terminal. On this occasion, Mr. Machima provided a detailed explanation to the princess.
During this special occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously accepted a souvenir presented by Mr. Ashworth. She then proceeded to engage in a photo session with the executives and employees of HPT. The princess also signed the commemorative book.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn then departed Terminal D in the royal car and made her way to the Laem Chabang Development Control Tower.
The presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, her accompanied, government officials and army cadets from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was a tremendous honor for the management and staff of HPT.
