Designing the Routes — and the Deal — for Island Hopping in Kampot
How Misca Advisors helped bring Cambodia’s coastal ferry services to life
Island hopping along Cambodia’s southern coastline is no longer just an idea — it’s now a reality. Since the Kampot Tourism Port officially opened in late 2024, new coastal ferry services have started connecting travellers with some of the region’s most popular destinations, including Koh Rong, Sihanoukville and Kep’s Rabbit Island.
But before the first ticket was sold or the first boat left the dock, this project faced a serious challenge: it wasn’t viable. Not commercially, not technically — and not financially. That’s why the Cambodian Government brought in Misca Advisors.
From concept to reality
Misca was appointed to unlock the potential of the Kampot Tourism Port and turn a stalled concept into a workable, bankable infrastructure project. The team reconfigured the technical and financial foundations, updating previous feasibility studies and reviewing the marine engineering design to develop smarter, more affordable solutions.
This wasn’t about cutting corners — it was about finding a path to delivery that respected technical constraints, made financial sense and supported long term goals. Misca Advisors worked closely with the General Department of Public-Private Partnerships (GDPPP) in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, alongside the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Tourism, to restructure the project from the ground up.
Making the project bankable
Crucially, Misca changed the commercial model to one that would attract private sector interest. By carefully reshaping the deal, we helped reduce risk, improve value for money, and create a framework that made sense to investors and operators alike. What had been a non-viable project became a bankable opportunity.
We supported the government through every stage — from reworking the project structure to managing procurement, drafting the PPP agreement, and negotiating the contract with the preferred operator. In June 2024, the project reached financial close, with the selection of a private operator secured.
A new gateway for regional tourism
An $18 million development, with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the port spans 4.5 hectares and is designed to support international tourist transport. It is expected to drive major growth in regional connectivity, making it faster and easier to travel across Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand by sea.
Just as importantly, Misca Advisors ensured the project respected its local setting. Environmental safeguarding was central to the approach — with careful attention paid to marine ecology, aquatic life and the livelihoods of local fishermen. These considerations were built into the port’s design, governance and operational planning from the start.
A gateway to growth
Kampot is now emerging as a major hub for regional tourism. Local businesses are already feeling the benefits of increased footfall and new opportunities. With regular ferry services now in place, the port is helping to create long term, inclusive economic growth — while opening up new travel experiences for people across the region.
This project is a clear example of how Misca Advisors helps governments and stakeholders deliver complex infrastructure in challenging markets — turning ambition into a bankable strategy, and staying involved through to delivery.
The ferry routes now running from Kampot are more than just boat trips. They represent something much bigger — a gateway to growth, connection and long-term value for Cambodia.
Competitive Advantage
Competitive Advantage is the research arm of Misca Advisors. As a specialist consulting firm, Misca Advisors supports private enterprises, governments and global institutions to unlock sustainable growth through infrastructure and the built environment. With expertise across transport, logistics, energy, water, digital and urban development, Misca Advisors brings insight and strategy to the sectors that drive long term economic development.
We help governments and institutions make infrastructure work — where it matters most.
Misca Advisors specialises in unlocking complex, high-impact projects across transport, energy, water and the built environment. From reshaping policy and commercial structures to securing investment and supporting delivery, we turn ambition into action — and stay with it through to results.
If you’re facing stalled projects, investor uncertainty or delivery challenges, we can help you move forward with confidence.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your next project.
