Ministry of Energy (MOE), Myanmar and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) signed an MOU on 16 June 2009 to build a Myanmar-China crude oil pipeline project. Workboat Wharf construction on Made Island started on 30-10-2009 and was completed on 30-8-2010. Construction of DWT 300,000, LOA 300 meters and 60 meters wide Crude Oil Terminal, which can accommodate a 23-meter tanker, began on 1 April 2011 and was completed on 31 May 2013.

Crude Oil Terminal at Kyaukphyu Made Island was designated as an oil terminal by a letter dated 22.1.2015 of Customs department to accommodate 300,000-ton tankers. For the first time, MT.XIN RUN YANG (LOA: 330M) test ship arrived on 24.1.2015 to drop 135,651 tons of CRUDE OIL. Following the revision of the requirements, MT. The UNITED DYNAMIC carrying 140,219 tons of CRUDE OIL, arrived on 9.4.2017 and unloaded crude oil.  A total of 170 vessels with 330 meters LOA, 23 m draft and 300,000 tons DWT arrived the Crude Oil Terminal on Made Island with a total of 43.74 million metric tons of crude oil. Myanma Port Authority (MPA) is sending marine pilots navigators to ensure the safe operation of the tankers entering crude oil terminals in Made.

There are river bank erosion areas about 7 miles long which is situated between Thaungkhone village and Kwinwine village at the west bank of Yangon river, Yangon Division. Regarding to the erosion, there are sand deposition, moving of the sand bar and strong wave current with the rising tide. As the impacts of above happening in continuous, the river bank erosion has been severely occurred and thus the losses of villages and farm lands at the west bank of Yangon river. On the other hand, the big siltation can be forming the sand bar along the Yangon river navigation channel which has been utilized for more than 85% of the maritime import/export through Yangon International port. So that for the protection the future erosion and forming of sand bar, for the smooth navigating of the international vessels and maintain the navigation channel, the construction of the river training wall at the west bank of Yangon river.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Feasibility Study of Yangon River Estuary West Bank Protection Project between Myanma Port Authority under the Ministry of Transport and Communications and China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC Co., Ltd.) was signed in Naypyitaw on 18^th January 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) happening all over the world and therefore, the experts from CHEC Co., Ltd were troubling to come Myanmar and thus, the Feasibility Study work was delayed to commence. As the term of MOU will be expired on 17^th January 2021, CHEC Co., Ltd. requested to extend the one year of MOU to complete the Feasibility Study of Yangon River Estuary West Bank Protection Project. It was submitted to the Executive Committee meeting (14/2020) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications held on 21^st December 2020 and approved it. The extension of MOU contract was signed on 17^th January 2021. The responsible people from CHEC Co., Ltd. carried out the F.S work such as the site survey, soil testing and soil sampling at the project area from 1^st January 2021 to 29^th January 2021 and Soil Test Report was prepared from 30^th January 2021 to 12^th April 2021. On 20^th July 2021, CHEC Co., Ltd. submitted on Feasibility Study Report (draft) on Yangon River Estuary West Bank Protection by Email to Myanma Port Authority. MPA Working Group is negotiable with CHEC Working Group for Design Drawings, Basic Standard Calculations, Estimated Costs, Technical Details of the F.S report (draft), CHEC Co., Ltd. is preparing to prepare the F.S (draft) as a Final Report and submit it to Myanma Port Authority.

The construction of the river training wall at the west bank of Yangon river can maintain the safety of the local people, the smooth maneuvering of the international vessels, the fast flow of trade that can be supported the state income, to moderate the forming of sand bar along the Yangon river navigation channel which has been utilized for the maritime import/export through Yangon International port.

• The MOU between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ministry of Transport and Communications (formerly the Ministry of Transport) and the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for cooperation in the fields of port development was signed on 10^th April, 2013. The Scope of MOU include cooperation works such as Shipping, Maritime Logistics, Port Development and Feasibility Study associated with port areas.
• Regarding with feasibility study for Port development at Dala area, Working Level Meeting was held on 9^th April, 2019 at Myanma Port Authority. Minutes of Working Level Meeting between Myanma Port Authority and the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was signed on that date. To implement the Minutes of Working Level Meeting, Hyein E&C Co., Ltd which is appointed from Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea undertook a feasibility study for Angyi and King’s bank areas.
• Amendment of MOU which is dealing with MOU signed on 10^th April, 2013 between Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was signed on 3^rd September, 2019. The scope of amendment of MOU include Shipping, Shipyard Upgrading, Logistics, Port Development and Management, and Feasibility Study associated with port areas.
• Regarding with King’s Bank Port Development, the feasibility study with the total area of about 150 acres at Angyi and King’s Bank areas which include the implementation of Port Development, Port Hinterland, Angyi Dockyard Upgrading and Business Plan is being undertaking leading the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and comprising of Hyein E&C Co., Ltd., SOOSUNG Engineering & Consulting and Korea Maritime Institute. The Presentation of 2^nd Interim Report and 5^th Working Level Meeting were held at Myanma Port Authority on 7^th February , 2020.
• According to the work schedule, the Final Report which includes completed Feasibility Study and proposed plans had to be submitted to Myanma Port Authority in April, 2020. However, at present, due to the impact of COVID-19 in the world, Hyein E&C Co., Ltd requested Myanma Port Authority to submit the Final Report when the impact of COVID-19 will be recovered.
• As the COVID-19 epidemic is outbreating until now, the Final Report on the Feasibility Study, including a Business Plan regarding with the King’s Bank Port Development, was submitted to the Myanma Port Authority by a video conference. On 23-10-2020, a video conference was held to explain the Final Report by Director General and officals of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to the Managing Director and officials of the Myanma Port Authority.
• We will continue the implementation in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and fisheries for King’s Bank Port Development.
• Regarding the implementation of the King’s Bank Port Development Project, Myanma Port Authority will continute to cooperate with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. At the current time, the Korea Side has temporarily suspended to continue the cooperation of this project.

• The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India signed a Framework Agreement for the construction and operation of a Multi-Modal Transit Transport facility on Kaladan River connecting the Sittwe Port in Myanmar with the state of Mizoram in India and a Protocol for facilitation of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport on 2^nd April 2008 at New Delhi, India.
• The main objectives of the Framework Agreement and Protocols are to extend further developing and strengthening friendly and neighborly relations. Furthermore two governments have agreed to cooperate bilaterally to promote grader economic cooperation by developing of infrastructure projects including transportation facilities.
• Foundation Stone laying ceremony was held at Sittwe Port Area on 19^th December 2010 and the construction of Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal was started on 27^th July, 2012. Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities were completely finished in 2016.
• Moreover, all six barges with associated items have been built and handed over to the Inland Water Transport (IWT), Ministry of Transport and Communications, Government of Myanmar on 26^th June 2017.
• The estimated cost for Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities is USD 160 million and the construction of highway from Paletwa to Myanmar-India border is USD 324 million. The total estimated amount of the whole project is USD 484 million.
• Indian based M/s EPI-C&C JV Company, through Engineering Procurement contract, is carrying through the construction of highway road between Paletwa and Myanmar-India border with IRCONSIL serving as Project Management Consultant. The Construction of highway Road is carried through with the coordination between Ministry of Construction and Indian based M/s EPI-C&C JV Company and the expected to complete around two years.
• The Detailed Project Report(DPR) dealing with proposed New Container Terminal adjacent in the existing Sittwe and Paletwa Jetties has been prepared by AECOM India Private Ltd, India side. Myanmar side has informed the concurrence of proposed New Container Terminal in Sittwe and Paletwa Ports to the Embassy of India.
• Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, representing the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, representing the Republic of India, signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for appointment of a private port operator for operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities on 22^nd October, 2018 at Nay Pyi Taw. The MoU period will be valid until the completion of road component from Paletwa to Zorinpui or five years, which ever earlier.
• According to MoU, The Government of Myanmar and The Government of India were jointly selected and appointed to A to Z Exim Limited as the private port operator for operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities on 3^rd January 2020.
• On 31^st January 2020, Ministry of Transport and Communications handed over the Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and associated facilities to A to Z Exim Limited for operation and maintenance.
• Nowaday, Port Operator (A to Z Exim Limited) have being planning and arranging to start the port operation in Sittwe Kaladan Port. All relevant authorities in Government of Myanmar assist and cooperate to A to Z Exim Limited.

Navigation Channel and ports are a natural heritage but can only be fully utilized if combined with maintenance. Yangon Port is located on the Yangon River and is international port and handles 90 % of international maritime trade.

As an international port, dredging is a challenge to maintain the Controlling Depth for seagoing vessels. Failure to provide submarine guarantees for incoming vessels may result in disruption of cargo and the port will be liable under international law. To overcome this challenge, a plan is being drawn up to maintain the designated draft in the inner and outer bars of the Yangon River, which is a major obstacle in the Yangon River channel.

Maintenance dredging was possible due to the abundance of shallow water and sand dunes, high settlement rate and in Yangon River previously. However, after 2016, the changes in the river and the embankment worsened due to climate change so it was necessary to maintain the navigation channel for a long time.  In accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, five-year Dredging project was invited by the state-owned newspaper on 16-9-2016 and selected Starhigh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd by the Tender Committee as the Preferred Bidder, was approved by the Cabinet Meeting No. 2/2018 and the project started on 12.3.2018. Now is the time to end the second year and begin the third year.

The socio-economic development of a country depends on transportation system. Among land, maritime and air transportation system, maritime transport is the most economically viable system and the development of maritime transport can gain access to domestic and foreign markets and greatly contribute to the development of national interests. In addition, the cargo handling volume and port capacity will increase due to Yangon River channel improve and increasing of port fees and state taxes will help increase national income.

• Loan Agreement No. MY-P3 was signed on 7^th June, 2013 between Japan Government and Myanmar Government for Sub-Project for Expansion of Yangon Port in  Thilawa  Area (Phase I) for Loan amount 8,730 Million JPY. On 30^th June, 2015,  Loan Agreement No. MY-P11 was signed for Loan amount 14,750 Million JPY and  so that total Loan Amount became 23,480 Million JPY. Loan Repayment Period is 40 Years (including 10 Years grace period) and interest period is 0.01% per year.
• Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd, Consultant Company had commenced their consulting services for the project since on 13^th July, 2014 and the Contract Agreement was signed on 8^th September, 2015 between Myanma Port Authority and Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd. Price Bid Opening Ceremony was held on 24^th February, 2015 for Construction Services for Civil Works and Buildings and Contract Agreement was signed on 22^th December, 2015 between Myanma Port Authority and TOYO-JFEE JOINT VENTURE. Price Bid Opening Ceremony was held on 30^th May, 2016 for Procurement of Cargo Handling Equipment and Contract Agreement was signed on 31^th March, 2017 between Myanma Port Authority and Mitsui E & S Machinery Co.,Ltd.
• Package-1(Civil Work & Buildings) of Project; Construction of (400 m x 40 m) Jacket Type Steel Structure Jetty, construction of Port related Infrastructure such as Administration Building, Container  Freight  Station, Terminal Main Gate, Second Gate, Container Repair Shop, Maintenance Shop, Marine Worker’s Lounge, Reefer Sub Station, Yard Pavement and  X-Ray Facility  at the back up area were 100% completed on  3-12-2018. Additional Work; Package-1 (Civil Work & Buildings) of Project; making the Soil Improvement Work at the back up area of Plot No(26) and installation of X-Ray Machine (1) Unit were 100% completed on  3-12-2019.
• Package-II; Procurement of the following Cargo Handling Equipment of Project were 100% completed on 3-2-2019;
  • Quay Crane (2)Nos
  • RTG (6)Nos
  • Reach Stacker (3)Nos
  • Trailer (6)Nos
  • Chasis (6)Nos
• Additional Work; Package-II; Procurement of the following Cargo Handling Equipment of Project were 100% completed on 31-1-2021 ;
  • – STS Gantry Crane (1)No
  • – RTG Crane (3)Nos
  • – Tractor Head & Chasis Tractor  (5)Sets
• Thilawa Multipurpose International Terminal Company Limited(TMIT) has commenced Port Operation on 20-5-2019.
• Now, Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd, Consultant Company of the project is monitoring of Package-II; Procurement of Cargo Handling Equipment which was completed in Jan, 2021.

About 70% of international trade comes by sea, and maritime trade is a major role in the world’s economic growth, as well as the development of of Myanmar’s economy. This project is designed to support the development of the interests of the State and all citizens.

After the signing of the Exchange of Note (E/N) between Japan and Myanmar under the Technical Assistant Program (TAP) of Japan on project for formulation of Port Master Plan, this project plan to cooperate between Department of Transport Planning and Myanmar Port Authority with the support of JICA.

The project period is during the 2021-2023 financial year and design, financial and technical assistance will be provided by JICA. The Department of Transport Planning will coordinate with the National Logistics Master Plan and National Transport Master Plan.

From this project, the Port Master Plan (2030), the Port Development Plan (2035), and the Action Plan for Port Operation and Maintenance will be formulated in line with the National Transport Master Plan (2015-2040) and National Logistics Master Plan (2018-2030) that were also developed under JICA’s Grant assistance. The two plans drew attention to formulating Port Master Plan that is still lacking. For MPA, formulating a comprehensive port master plan is crucial for the future port development, not only for Yangon area but also for its outport areas, in accordance with dramatically growing country trade.

The outcomes of the project will support the MSDP’s Pillar 2, Goal 3, Strategy 3.6 (and UN SDG 9) and National Indicator Framework (3.4.9 and 3.6.7), since the plans can be used as guidelines for the infrastructure development of the Myanmar Port Industry that supports trade and generates country economy. Additionally, retaining healthy relationships with Japanese institutions along with implementing this JICA granted project, the implementing agencies can sustain/promote partnerships for further development projects.

, new port locations, Expansion of deep-sea port and related infrastructure will attract local and foreign skills and capital, and civil servants exchange knowledge and technical experience during the project period.

Once the project for formulation of Port Master Plan has been drawn up, according to the port master plan, new ports and the development of deep-sea ports and related infrastructure will be able to invite local and international investors and Staffs from Myanma Port Authority will be able to exchange knowledge and technical experiences by cooperating in the project during the project.

The current project is initially scheduled to carry out “The Data Collection Survey on Navigation Channel and Port Possibilities in Yangon River”, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although data collection activities are expected to carry out from February to September and the Data Report is expected to be released in October and the Final Report in November, the project has been temporarily suspended due to the political situation in Myanmar. The findings of survey will be used in the formulation of port plan.

Currently, despite the current state of emergency in Myanmar, the Yangon Ports Master Plan according to the planning of formulation of Port Master Plan is implemented with the following three stages in consultation with Mr. Masao Kanno (JICA) and officials from various departments under Myanma Port Authority:

1. Stage 1:        Learning and understanding of the current port sector
2. Stage 2:        Data collection, review and preparation for Yangon Port Master Plan
3. Stage 3:        Approval (Myanmar Port Authority, Ministry of Transport and Communications) and release

The projects to be implemented in the proposed project are as follows:

1. Assessing the current state of the port sector
2. Formulation of Myanmar Port Master Plan (Target year: 2030)
3. Pre-feasibility study of Prioritized Port Development Plan (Target year: 2035)
4. Formulation of Action Plan for Port Operation and Maintenance
5. Public and Stakeholder Seminar on Yearly Interim Report

It is a Project for formulation of Port Master Plan and is developing a Master Plan, Development Plan and Action Plan. Reviewing, editing and amending intended for short-term (2) years, medium 5 years and long-term 10 years and it will be done by the State/ Department program or with the support of grants from partner countries.