+
Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery
PORTS & SHIPPING

Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery

The decision by Myanmar's ruling junta to choose Russia for the construction of a Dawei deep seaport on the country's east coast has angered China, which had also been considering building the port near the Thailand border.

It has been learned that the Myanmar junta is interested in having Russian investment in the port project, along with the establishment of a special economic zone that includes an oil refinery.

China had previously conducted a feasibility study of the Dawei port but decided to focus on building the Kyakphyu deep seaport, which is near the Sittwe port built by India. However, the junta's preference for Russia has displeased the Chinese, according to experts familiar with Myanmar affairs.

The proposed Dawei port, located in the Tanintharyi region on Myanmar's east coast along the Andaman Sea, serves as the gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), comprising Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It could also potentially serve as a gateway port for Thailand's containerised trade, as Bangkok is approximately 300 kilometers away from Dawei, connected by a two-way concrete road.

It has been revealed that Myanmar and Russia are currently in discussions regarding the proposed port, as the junta aims to align itself more closely with Moscow to counterbalance Chinese influence in the resource-rich country. Discussions include plans to construct the Dawei port with a capacity of 10 million tonnes and an oil refinery capable of processing 100,000 barrels per day. However, Beijing is concerned that Russia's involvement in Myanmar's port sector will undermine Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu within the broader context of global trade in the region.

India may view Myanmar's growing alignment with Russia more favorably than its ties with China, as China has been utilizing Myanmar for accessing natural resources and expanding its presence in the Bay of Bengal region, where India has historically played a significant security role. Submarines previously provided by India to Myanmar have Russian origins. Additionally, in Sri Lanka, Indian and Russian companies have formed a joint venture to manage an airport near the Chinese-managed Hambantota port.

Earlier in March, it was reported that Myanmar's junta sought to decrease its reliance on Beijing and was looking to expand ties with Russia for military supplies and the development of infrastructure and energy projects.

Myanmar's Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Dr Kan Zaw, recently visited Moscow to explore opportunities for port development, the establishment of a special economic zone, the construction of a petroleum refinery, a 660 MW thermal power plant, and a 330 MW nuclear power plant. Additionally, efforts were made to promote trade settlement in national currencies.

The decision by Myanmar's ruling junta to choose Russia for the construction of a Dawei deep seaport on the country's east coast has angered China, which had also been considering building the port near the Thailand border. It has been learned that the Myanmar junta is interested in having Russian investment in the port project, along with the establishment of a special economic zone that includes an oil refinery. China had previously conducted a feasibility study of the Dawei port but decided to focus on building the Kyakphyu deep seaport, which is near the Sittwe port built by India. However, the junta's preference for Russia has displeased the Chinese, according to experts familiar with Myanmar affairs. The proposed Dawei port, located in the Tanintharyi region on Myanmar's east coast along the Andaman Sea, serves as the gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), comprising Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It could also potentially serve as a gateway port for Thailand's containerised trade, as Bangkok is approximately 300 kilometers away from Dawei, connected by a two-way concrete road. It has been revealed that Myanmar and Russia are currently in discussions regarding the proposed port, as the junta aims to align itself more closely with Moscow to counterbalance Chinese influence in the resource-rich country. Discussions include plans to construct the Dawei port with a capacity of 10 million tonnes and an oil refinery capable of processing 100,000 barrels per day. However, Beijing is concerned that Russia's involvement in Myanmar's port sector will undermine Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu within the broader context of global trade in the region. India may view Myanmar's growing alignment with Russia more favorably than its ties with China, as China has been utilizing Myanmar for accessing natural resources and expanding its presence in the Bay of Bengal region, where India has historically played a significant security role. Submarines previously provided by India to Myanmar have Russian origins. Additionally, in Sri Lanka, Indian and Russian companies have formed a joint venture to manage an airport near the Chinese-managed Hambantota port. Earlier in March, it was reported that Myanmar's junta sought to decrease its reliance on Beijing and was looking to expand ties with Russia for military supplies and the development of infrastructure and energy projects. Myanmar's Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Dr Kan Zaw, recently visited Moscow to explore opportunities for port development, the establishment of a special economic zone, the construction of a petroleum refinery, a 660 MW thermal power plant, and a 330 MW nuclear power plant. Additionally, efforts were made to promote trade settlement in national currencies.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Jupiter Opens First EV Showroom in Hyderabad

Jupiter Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd (JEM), the electric commercial vehicle arm of Jupiter Wagons Ltd, has inaugurated its first showroom in New Bowenpally, Secunderabad, Hyderabad. The launch also marks the introduction of its 1.05-tonne four-wheeler electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), JEM TEZ, to Telangana’s growing logistics and intra-city freight market. This expansion underscores JEM’s commitment to delivering purpose-built sustainable mobility solutions and accelerating the electrification of India’s logistics sector.The new showroom, operated by Arven Motors Pvt Ltd, offers cus..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Premier Energies Launches 620W DCR Solar Modules in India

Premier Energies Limited, one of India’s largest integrated solar manufacturers, has launched its next-generation 620W DCR solar modules using G12R TOPCon technology, now among the most powerful large-format panels available in the country.The new modules, built with Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) architecture, deliver superior power density, improved temperature coefficients, and enhanced low-light performance. The rectangular G12R N-type cell design enables higher string power and balance-of-system optimisation, making the panels suitable for utility-scale projects as well as com..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ONGC Starts Gas Sales from Rajasthan Chinnewala Tibba Block

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has commenced natural gas sales from the Discovered Small Field (DSF-II) Block RJ/ONDSF/Chinnewala/2018, marking the successful monetisation of the Chinnewala Tibba field in the Rajasthan Kutch Onland Exploratory Asset (RKOEA). Gas sales officially began on 25 August 2025.This development highlights ONGC’s commitment to boosting domestic energy production and strengthening India’s energy security under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Located in western Rajasthan, close to the Indo-Pakistan border, the Chinnewala Tibb..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?