The project will build 3 culverts (locks) to regulate the flow, maintain the stability of water levels in the navigation canal and prevent saltwater intrusion. These culverts are 135m long, 18m wide, and 5.8m deep.
In addition to the above work items, the project also builds 11 traffic bridges (161m long, 12m wide) across the canal to serve the travel needs of people.
It is expected that the project will start construction in 2024 and be completed in 2027 with a total volume of goods circulating through this new waterway of 7 million tons/year.
In August 2023, the International Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat received an official dispatch from the Cambodian National Mekong Committee (CNMC) on the Funan Techo Canal inland waterway project according to PNPCA procedures ( notification, prior consultation and agreement procedures).
The announcement shows that the purpose of the project is to connect inland waterway traffic and maritime connectivity by building a 180km long waterway, expanding and deepening existing channels and digging some new sections connecting the sea. with a vessel tonnage of 1,000DWT and three locks to maintain water levels for navigation.
The project is expected to be 100m wide upstream, 80m downstream, and 5.4m deep.
The project has a total estimated cost of 1.7 billion USD, including three waterway dams, 11 bridges and 208km of roads on both sides, expected to be implemented by Chinese company CRBC in the form of build – operate – transfer. According to the plan, the canal will start construction at the end of this year and operate in 2028.