KASI (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a fast-growing maritime solutions provider based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, has successfully secured a contract with Global Maritime and Ports Services (GMAPS)-a privately-owned Singapore-based maritime services and port consultancy group-as part of the consulting panel for the expansion project of the Laem Chabang Port in Thailand.

Phase 3 of the Laem Chabang Port will be developed by the Port of Thailand Authority (PAT) with an estimated investment of 20 billion baht. It will increase the annual capacity of the Laem Chabang Port from the current 10-11 million TEUs of containers to 18 million TEUs when completed in 2015. The Port will also have the capacity to support the import/export of 2 million cars a year.

The development will incorporate a number of distinctive features to enable it to be competitive with ports in the neighbouring countries. It will attract major shipping and maritime companies to make Laem Chabang Port the preferred port in the region for their large vessels.

To be completed by January 2012, the consultancy works involve a study of the economic, engineering and environmental suitability for the development of Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port development project. The consultancy project includes a Master Plan for the development and design of docks, quays, navigation canals and wave breakers, including significant primary infrastructure of the port and back-up areas. The consultants will also be involved in preparing the bidding or tender documents for the construction of the third phase development.

KASI's primary role will be to conduct the maritime simulation aspect of the consultancy works, complete from the 3D simulation modeling of the Phase 3 Laem Chabang Port development to the testing and validation of the engineering design through a navigation simulation study utilizing simulation design vessels identified in the project.

The agreement was signed between the Director-General of the Port of Thailand Authority, Mr Chalerrmchai Meekun-iam and the consultants on 13 January 2011 in Bangkok.