The Funan Techo Canal is an under-construction waterway that will connect Phnom Penh to Kampot via the Bassac River. The canal will enable goods to be shipped to and from the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port without having to go through Vietnam.
The project was formerly known as the Bassac River Navigation and Logistics System (“BRNLS”), and it was also referred to as the Bassac Sea-Link. The project was named Funan Techo Canal at the 6th Plenary Session of the National Assembly on 19 May 2023.
The Funan Techo Canal will be approximately 180 km in length. The project will include a 7km-long new canal, and segments of existing waterways will be deepened.
The project will have three locks to maintain the water level. The gates are from the Mekong River to the Bassac River, in Takeo, and in Kep.
The Bassac River is a distributary of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong River that starts in Phnom Penh and flows into Vietnam near Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta Region.
[Bassac River in Phnom Penh.]
The new waterway would bypass the need to transport goods through Vietnam. The government claims that the canal will reduce processing and shipping costs, though independent reports say it will be more expensive.
The new water link has the potential for tourism use, and for new urban developments along the canal.
Funan Techo Canal maps
This map shows landmarks near the canal path.
[Map of Funan Techo Canal.]
Approximate route of the canal showing the location of the Bassac River and Mekong River.
[Funan Tech Canal map via Reuters.]
Map of Funan Techo Canal in relation to the railway in Cambodia.
[Map by EOBKR via Wikimedia Commons.]
News archive
2024
Why is China investing in a $1.7 billion canal in Cambodia? – [30/09/24]
“The Funan Techo Canal is the latest in a string of flashy Chinese investments in Cambodia. How did Cambodia, a lower-middle-income nation of 17.5 million people, become a focal point of Chinese foreign policy and investment?”
Cambodia hopes a new canal will boost trade. But it risks harming the Mekong that feeds millions – [25/09/24]
“Cambodia has broken ground to build a China-funded canal to eventually link its capital Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand.”
Cambodia’s controversial canal – [19/09/24]
“Cambodia has started a massive project — a canal that links the Mekong River to the sea. Its deputy prime minister says the Funan Techo Canal is ‘a game-changer’. But Cambodia’s neighbours worried. Not only about the impact the canal could have on the Mekong Delta, but about China’s influence as well.”
For China, a Cambodian canal project shows how Belt and Road Initiative can go only so far – [19/09/24]
“With the power to reshape trade routes and affect geopolitical ties, the Funan Techo canal has become a litmus test for China’s project partnerships overseas.”
Will Cambodia’s Funan Techo canal be a success? – [19/09/24]
“Questions raised about the viability of the China-backed project, hailed as strongman Hun Sen’s great legacy.”
China’s powerful NDRC steps in to speed up the Funan Techo Canal work – [12/09/24]
Funan canal activity silent a month after groundbreaking; ministries start interviewing residents – [10/09/24]
Speedier resolution: Govt accelerates compensation process for Funan Techo Canal project – [04/09/24]
No bribes needed for employment on Funan Techo Canal, says Chanthol – [27/08/24]
Impacts of Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal and implications for Mekong cooperation – [25/08/24]
Viet Nam respects Cambodia’s construction of Funan Techo Canal – [09/08/24]
“Viet Nam respects Cambodia’s implementation of the Funan Techo Canal project, said Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet.”
Cambodia breaks ground on Funan Techo Canal with ‘spectacular’ celebration – [05/08/24]
“Cambodia officially broke ground on the historic Funan Techo Canal this morning at 9:09am, with more than 10,000 participants attending a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.”
[The stage for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Funan Techo Canal in Kandal province. The photo was taken prior to the event, showcasing the preparations in place. TVK]
Why China’s backing for Cambodian canal on Mekong River could push Vietnam closer to US – [03/08/24]
“‘Historic’ Funan Techo canal, a 180km project from the Mekong River to the coast, aims to reduce Cambodia’s transport dependence on Vietnam.”
Cambodia’s Hun Dynasty stakes reputation on the Funan Techo Canal – [03/08/24]
“Economic, environmental and security concerns about the vanity project will keep controversy alive for years.”
One-day holiday announced for Funan Techo Canal inauguration – [01/08/24]
Cambodia looks to ‘breathe’ with controversial new canal – [18/07/24]
“Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for over three decades, has described the canal as giving the country a “nose to breathe through” and local authorities have been told to launch fireworks for the groundbreaking on Aug. 5 — the former leader’s birthday.”
[This aerial photo taken on July 9, 2024 shows workers using excavators to dig the Funan Techo canal along the Prek Takeo channel that runs into the Mekong River (bottom) in Kandal province.]
If it’s built, Cambodian canal an economic and environmental disaster – [15/07/24]
“There are good reasons why Cambodia should abandon its plan to build a canal between the nation’s capital, Phnom Penh, and Kampot, a coastal town some 180 km to the southeast. None of them seem likely to change the minds of Hun Sen, Cambodia’s prime minister for 38 years, or his son Hun Manet, installed last August as the new prime minister, or, absent a signal from the top, of the rest of Cambodia’s governing class.”
Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal project: A catalog of worries (analysis) – [15/07/24]
“Cambodia plans to build a 180-km (110-mi) canal from its capital to its coast on the Gulf of Thailand, a $1.7 billion project aimed at reducing its dependence on moving cargo through ports in neighboring Vietnam.
But this analysis concludes that the plan is financially unfeasible, would have severe environmental impacts, and would exacerbate water scarcity in a region already suffering from critically low levels in the Mekong.
The Cambodian government’s argument that the canal would make freight transport cheaper falls apart under cursory calculations, which show shipping costs will be even higher than via the Vietnamese ports.”
[I concluded that using the FTC route (A-C-B) in year 1, commercial vessels would have to pay $550/TEU. Alternatively, if using the Vietnam route (A-B), they would pay $145/TEU in current dollars.]
Residents demand fair compensation for Cambodia’s canal project – [08/07/24]
“Despite the Funan Techno Canal groundbreaking in a month, villagers remain in the dark about compensation and livelihoods.”
Cambodia to beat gongs and drums on August 5 to commemorate groundbreaking ceremony for Funan Techo Canal Project – [08/07/24]
How the ‘politics of gratitude’ inflames Cambodia-Vietnam relations – [07/06/24]
“Some Vietnamese nationalists view Phnom Penh’s decision to press ahead with a controversial canal project as a sign of ingratitude.”
Cambodian canal project to kick off on Hun Sen’s birthday – [07/06/24]
“The construction of Funan Techo canal is set to start on Aug. 5 but questions remain over its feasibility.”
Cambodia and Vietnam: when a canal should not divide – [05/06/24]
“Vietnam has, at times, sacrificed its national interests for the sake of good relationships with its neighbours. This still rings true today.”
Funan Techo Canal Project underscores Cambodia’s struggle for strategic autonomy – [04/06/24]
“Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal project aims to decrease reliance on Vietnam’s trade routes, boost economic growth and improve water resource management. Yet, discussions surrounding the project are becoming increasingly securitised and politicised while concerns have arisen. Cambodia dismisses these concerns, emphasising its right to pursue development projects and its policy of neutrality. The project highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the Mekong region, with discussions extending beyond Cambodia and Vietnam to involve various stakeholders. It also presents a potential opportunity for ASEAN to mediate tensions and manage regional conflicts.”
Water woes: Cambodia and Vietnam clash over the Funan Techo Canal – [29/05/24]
“Environmental, economic and geopolitical concerns are all bound up in the latest tensions along the Mekong River.”
CDC official: Funan Techo Canal will curb Vietnam floods – [24/05/24]
The Funan Techo Canal: treading new waters, stirring old ripples – [24/05/24]
“Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal is an embodiment of the country’s renaissance and grievances of its past.”
“Beneath the veneer of the canal’s economic promise, there are deep layers of historical sensitivities in Cambodia-Vietnam ties, which continually simmer below the surface of their “special relationship”. In a sense, the canal embodies the Cambodian confidence in their country’s present renaissance and grievances over their past. Its name evokes the ancient Funan kingdom in the 1st-6th century CE, harkening back to a time when the Khmer people flourished and built their empire in the Mekong Delta before parts of their domain gave way to the Viet southward expansion and Siamese encroachment.”
The Funan Techo Canal won’t have a military purpose – [23/05/24]
“Arguments that Cambodia’s China-backed canal project will pose a security threat to Vietnam are wildly overblown.”
Cambodia’s planned canal isn’t in its own interest, only China’s – [22/05/24]
“Development should be halted for independent review of risks and benefits.”
Hun Sen calls for immediate start to Funan Techo Canal – [16/05/24]
Impacts of Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal and implications for Mekong cooperation – [09/05/24]
“How a new Belt and Road project in Cambodia could increase water and flood risks in Vietnam and weaken the 1995 Mekong Agreement.”
Cambodia says it will cut shipping through Vietnam by 70% with new China-funded Mekong canal – [07/05/24]
Vietnam hopes to work with Cambodia to assess impacts of Funan Techo canal: spokeswoman – [05/05/24]
The Funan Techo Canal won’t end Cambodia’s dependency on Vietnam – [04/05/24]
“Numerous regional and economic factors will keep Cambodia dependent on serving Vietnam’s supply chains.”
Cambodian goods rely on Viet Nam’s approval for shipping via Mekong River, Hun Sen says – [27/04/24]
Hun Sen declares ‘no backdown, negotiations’ on canal project – [27/04/24]
“Senate president Hun Sen has made it clear that Cambodia will not back down or negotiate with any country regarding the 180km Funan Techo Canal.
He stressed that the 1995 Mekong Agreement does not require any of the members of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) members to do so.”
Experts outline benefits of Funan Techo Canal – [25/04/24]
Cambodia’s Funan Techo canal could upset Mekong Delta ecosystem: experts – [24/04/24]
“Construction of the Funan Techo Canal from the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand will cause water shortages and increase salinization in Vietnam’s already parched Mekong Delta, experts said.”
Matter of principle: Cambodia willing, but not obliged to share info on Funan Techo Canal – [19/04/24]
US calls for transparency from Cambodia over China-backed canal – [19/04/24]
$1.7 Billion Cambodian Canal Project Draws Increasing Scrutiny – [12/04/24]
“The China-backed Techo Funan Canal, which will connect the Mekong River to the country’s coast, has given rise to environmental and security concerns.”
Cambodia to push forward with plans to build US$1.7 billion canal, says PM Hun Manet – [12/04/24]
Vietnam requests Cambodia share information on Funan Techo canal – [11/04/24]
Hun Sen denies Cambodia canal project could facilitate Chinese military access – [09/04/24]
Vietnamese concerned that canal project in Cambodia could be potential gateway for Chinese forces – [09/04/24]
Cambodia plans to start Funan Techo Canal work this year – [04/04/24]
Why a Chinese-backed canal project in Cambodia is making Vietnam very nervous – [02/04/24]
Hun Sen seeks China’s support for Funan Techo Canal project – [01/04/24]
Cambodia getting a China-backed, game-changing canal – [01/04/24]
“Funan Techo Canal will allow Cambodia to bypass Vietnam for its international trade and pull it even tighter into Beijing’s sphere of influence.”
Cambodia seeks China’s support to Funan Techo Canal Project – [29/03/24]
Cambodia’s Ambitious Funan Techo Canal Project Sparks Concerns Near and Far – [23/03/24]
Cambodia’s ambitious Funan Techo canal project sparks concerns near and far – [22/03/24]
Villagers near proposed canal in Cambodia worry and wait – [18/03/24]
Agenda of lies: PM slams groups creating false narratives to sabotage Funan Techo Canal project (VIDEO) – [13/03/24]
Cambodia to divert Mekong trade via China-built canal, vexing Vietnam – [12/03/24]
“Planned Phnom Penh-coast link raises alarms amid regional influence tussle.”
Video: PM reaffirms benefits of Funan Techo Canal Project – [12/03/24]
BRI’s Funan Techo Canal could steer Cambodia away from Vietnam and towards China – [11/03/24]
Kingdom targets concession agreement for Funan Techno Canal project by June – [06/03/24]
The Funan Techo Canal’s advantages for Cambodia and the region – [26/02/24]
Q&A: How Cambodia’s Chinese-backed Funan Techo Canal risks destabilizing the Lower Mekong Delta – [20/02/24]
Australian Ambassador highly interested in the beneficial “Funan-Techo Canal” project – [15/02/24]
Funan Techo Canal ‘to be a game-changer’ for Cambodia – [31/01/24]
Cambodia’s canal project would link its coast with the Mekong River – [23/01/24]
Transport Minister: Funan Techo Canal project to begin construction in late 2024 – [18/01/24]
Why is Vietnam worried about Cambodia’s Mekong canal project? – [02/01/24}
“The proposed Funan Techo Canal is set to connect the country’s coast to the Mekong River via a system of lock gates.”
Funan Techo project calls for joint approach to Mekong development – [01/01/24]
2023
Ministry rejects “false and baseless” claims by The Cambodia Daily about Funan Techo canal project – [27/12/23]
“The Ministry stated that The Cambodia Daily had published an article on its website and Facebook page “The Cambodia Daily Khmer” on December 26, 2023, alleging that that the Cambodian government has borrowed 5 billion US dollars to build the Funan Techo canal project.”
Techo Funan Canal project to be developed under BOT contract – [26/12/23]
“The Techo Funan Canal project to link the river system to the sea route will be developed under the BOT (build-operate-transfer) contract, underlined here this morning Prime Minister Dr Hun Manet.”
PM: There is no secret about the construction of the Funan Techo Canal – [22/12/23]
Cambodia tries to reassure Vietnam that proposed canal won’t affect Mekong River – [21/12/23]
In-depth explanation: Cambodia allays Vietnam’s concern over Funan Techo Canal – [15/12/23]
Vietnam assured of canal’s environmental neutrality – [14/12/23]
“During his first official visit to Vietnam on December 11-12, Prime Minister Hun Manet assured the Vietnamese side that the Funan Techo Canal project would pose no harm to the environment or the Mekong River’s flow.”
Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal, a game changer? – [04/12/23]
Funan Techo Canal to provide economic dividends, says PM (VIDEO) – [26/10/23]
Signing takes ‘Funan Techo Canal’ project further forward – [20/10/23]
“Alongside the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the Royal Government of Cambodia has officially signed an agreement to allow Chinese companies to conduct a feasibility study on the Kep to Bassac River ‘Funan Techo Canal’ project.”
Cambodia and Chinese company sign canal pact – [18/10/23]
Inter-ministerial commission formed to oversee canal project – [12/06/23]
“The government has established an inter-ministerial commission to implement the long anticipated Bassac-Kep river navigation and logistics system, a first-of-its-kind waterway transportation project in Cambodia which has been named the “Funan Techo Canal”.”
Bassac-Kep river link dubbed ‘Funan Techo Canal’ – [20/05/23]
“The hotly anticipated Bassac-Kep river navigation and logistics system, the first-of-its-kind waterway transportation project in Cambodia, has been renamed “Funan Techo Canal”, according to the minutes of a May 19 Cabinet meeting.”
Waterway link study sent for Cabinet approval – [20/04/23]
“The “two-year-long thorough and comprehensive” feasibility study was conducted by the Chinese state-owned China Road and Bridge Corp (CRBC) and CCCC Water Transportation Consultants Co Ltd, in collaboration with technical experts at the involved ministries, it recapped.”
Bassac sea link project to be submitted for Cabinet approval – [20/04/23]
“After finding no technical issues or environmental impact, the feasibility study of a navigation and logistics project to link the Bassac River in Kandal province to a seaport in the Kep province is set to be submitted for Cabinet approval soon, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport said.”
No issues with Bassac-Kampot seaport project: study – [04/03/23]
“The feasibility study of a navigation and logistics project to link the Bassac River in Phnom Penh to a “seaport” in the Kampot-Kep region shows that there are no technical, environmental or legal issues, according to the transport ministry.”
Bassac sea link needs just one new canal: Chanthol – [19/02/23]
“The completion of a proposed waterway link from the Bassac River to a “seaport” in the Kampot-Kep region will require the excavation of just one new canal, around 7km long, according to Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol.”
Bassac sea-link to reach Kampot seaport: ministry – [01/02/23]
“A key study on a proposed waterway link from the Bassac River to the sea in the Kampot-Kep region has been completed, the transport ministry reported, revealing plans for the project to connect to a “seaport” in Kampot province, igniting hopes for a solid pop in economic growth for the Kingdom.”
Detail study on new waterway connecting Tonle Bassac to Kep set for completion – [31/01/23]
“According to the study, the project will have three gates including a gate from the Mekong River to the Bassac River, a gate in Takeo, and a gate in Kep to stabilise the water level.”
2022
Bassac sea-link Phase II studies due end-Jan – [15/12/22]
“The second phase of a feasibility study on a proposed waterway link from the Bassac River to the sea in Kep province is scheduled to be completed by end-January, reported the public works ministry. The project is seen as a massive support for the transportation market and the export business.”
Feasibility study of new waterway connecting PP to Kep to be finalised in November – [22/09/22]
“The detailed feasibility study of a project to build a new water transport system along the Bassac River connecting Phnom Penh Port to Kep, Kampot, and Sihanoukville Ports is scheduled for completion in November.”
Prek Ambel eyed for Bassac sea link – [18/07/22]
“Cambodia is pushing to complete a study on the feasibility of using southeastern Kandal province’s Prek Ambel village as the starting point for the Bassac River waterway link to the sea in Kep province.”
Study on Bassac River-Kep sea waterway link finished – [24/04/22]
“Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol on April 22 met a delegation of the China Road and Bridge Corp, “representing CCCC Transportation Consultants Co Ltd”, via video link to discuss a recently-completed feasibility study on the Bassac River Navigation and Logistics System project, the ministry said in a statement later that day.”
Cambodia initiates study on Bassac River Waterway for logistics project – [23/04/23]
“The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is planning to establish a new waterway utilising a canal from Bassac river to the sea in Kep province for the transport and tourism sectors without having to go through Vietnam.”
Waterway to connect Phnom Penh and sea in Kep province – [01/02/22]
“Public Works Minister Sun Chanthol said that the ministry was studying connecting waterways from Phnom Penh to the sea in Kep province to facilitate overseas shipping without going through Vietnam.”
Bassac River-Kep sea waterway link on the cards – [31/01/22]
“The Ministry of Public Works and Transport plans to create a connection between the Bassac River and the sea in Kep province to provide a viable alternative for waterway passenger and freight traffic to enter Cambodia without passing through Vietnam, and hence spur economic growth.”
Can these vessels actually get up the Mekong through Vietnam at the moment because if the answer is yes then the obvious question is how much will this cost and what exactly are the economic benefits that would be gained (excluding the boost to employment building it) by not passing through Vietnam
I have many questions as well. I will write an editorial to go with this fact sheet.