News / Thailand mulls launch of national liner operator to tackle soaring freight rates

The government has told Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to establish a national liner operator by mid-2022 to overcome high freight rates and see more exports transported by local carriers.

Transport minister Saksayam Chidchob has formed a Preparatory Committee on the Establishment of the National Shipping Line (literal translation) and is its chairman.

It will study the feasibility of re-establishing a national shipping line to “help Thailand reduce its dependence on foreign ships and reduce transport costs, while stabilising seaborne imports and exports”.

The ...