Yangon Port is set to witness a significant rise in container traffic in January 2025, with a total of 63 container vessels scheduled to call at the port, according to an announcement by the Myanmar Port Authority (MPA).
Among the scheduled arrivals, 11 container vessels will be operated by M/S COSCO Shipping Line. M/S CMA CGM Asia Line and M/S SITC Shipping Line will each operate eight vessels, while six vessels each will be handled by MSC, ONE Line and M/S Samudera Shipping Line. M/S Maersk A/S Line is slated to deploy five vessels, and four vessels each will be operated by M/S MSC Line and M/S TI2 Logistics Line. Additionally, three vessels each will be run by M/S BLPL Shipping Line, M/S Evergreen Asia Line and M/S RCLL Line, while two vessels will be operated by M/S Land and Sea.
The Myanmar Port Authority stated that maritime trade channels have been strategically arranged to manage rising import volumes to meet domestic demand, enhance export capacity, and improve overall port efficiency amid increasing ship arrivals. The authority also confirmed that exporters and importers will be informed of vessel arrival schedules in a timely manner through an extended scheduling system.
In December 2025, Yangon Port handled 59 container vessels, indicating a steady upward trend in container traffic.
The increase in vessel calls has been supported by recent navigational improvements. Following the discovery of the Kings Bank Channel, which provides access to the inner Yangon River, draft extension works were accelerated, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels. As a result, Yangon Port can now handle ships with deeper drafts.
A notable milestone was achieved on 22 June when the container vessel MV SITC Zhaoming, operated by Hong Kong-based SITC Shipping Line, docked at Asia World Port Terminal (AWPT) for the first time. With a length overall (LOA) of 185.99 metres, a beam of 35.25 metres, a gross registered tonnage of 29,232 GRT and a capacity of 2,698 TEUs, it is the largest vessel handled by AWPT to date.
Since May 2021, ship arrivals at Yangon terminals have steadily increased. To support growing seaborne trade requirements, Maersk Line Myanmar (SeaLand Maersk) introduced three new container vessels in 2021. Previously, draft limitations on the Yangon River restricted the movement of larger ships. However, with the draft now extended up to 10 metres, larger ocean-going vessels are able to access Thilawa Port, further strengthening Myanmar’s maritime trade capabilities.
