Colombo to Laem Chabang shipping route.

Ships leaving Colombo for Laem Chabang head east and cover a sea distance of 2,402 nautical miles (4,448 km), via Strait of Malacca. The straight line between the ports is 2,401 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.

Shipping time depends on speed. At 14 knots, a common container ship service speed, the passage takes 7.2 days at sea. Slow steaming at 12 knots stretches it to 8.3 days, while 18 knots brings it down to 5.6. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Colombo and Laem Chabang to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Sunda Strait, 3,151 nautical miles, 749 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Colombo to Laem Chabang move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Laem Chabang (THLCH) carriers give about 5 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 65 port to port routes from Colombo in this directory, Laem Chabang is the 11th shortest. Closer destinations include Ho Chi Minh City (2,234 nm), Djibouti (2,230 nm) and Tanjung Priok (1,938 nm).