Great potential from Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster

VCN - With about 35 ports, currently, 22 ports are operational with a capacity of 117.8 million tons per year. The Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster is expected to become the largest international transshipment gateway in the country, with regional and global significance.
Specialized inspection reform will boost operational efficiency of Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port cluster Specialized inspection reform will boost operational efficiency of Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port cluster
Increasing resilience for Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster Increasing resilience for Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster
Seminar on the topic: Seminar on the topic: "Customs and enterprises collaborate to promote the flow of import and export goods through the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex"
The number of large and super-large ships docking at the Cai Mep - Thi Vai ports is increasing. Photo: ST
The number of large and super-large ships docking at the Cai Mep - Thi Vai ports is increasing. Photo: ST

Welcoming the world's largest ships

Colonel Bui Van Quy, Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation, stated that the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster is currently operating actively and plays an important role in the region's logistics activities. The Cai Mep - Thi Vai area has about 35 ports, of which 22 ports (19 official projects, 3 temporary projects) are currently operational, with a capacity of 117.8 million tons per year, including 7 container ports with a capacity of 6.8 million TEU per year.

Due to its many advantages, in recent years, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster has increasingly been chosen by shipping companies. According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, over the past 5 years, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port area has received increasingly larger ships each year. The total number of large ships over 80,000 tons entering and leaving the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port since 2017 has increased significantly, from 1,524 in 2017 to 1,644 in 2022.

Notably, the size of ships entering Cai Mep has also increased rapidly. Before 2011, the majority of ships entering the Cai Mep port cluster were under 80,000 DWT. However, in recent years, many large ships ranging from 132,000 DWT to over 200,000 DWT have docked at Cai Mep ports. Currently, 40% of service routes operate ships over 132,000 DWT. For example, in March 2023, the OOCL Spain, the largest container ship to dock at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port, had a total tonnage of over 230,000 DWT and a capacity of up to 24,188 TEU, making it one of the largest container ships in the world today.

Additionally, the Cai Mep port area has a larger number of mother ship routes to America and Europe compared to other Southeast Asian countries, second only to Malaysia and Singapore. Statistics from the Vietnam Maritime Administration show that by the end of 2023, Vietnam had received 25 sea transport routes to America, 22 of which originated from Cai Mep - Thi Vai. Furthermore, this area has 2 routes to Europe and 10 routes to intra-Asia. This number has tripled since 2018.

According to the master plan for the development of Vietnam's seaport system for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the Cai Mep port is planned as a gateway port and international transshipment hub. The port area includes container, general cargo, bulk, and liquid/gas ports, receiving container ships of 80,000 - 250,000 DWT or larger when conditions allow, and general, liquid/gas ships up to 150,000 DWT or larger, reduced in line with maritime route conditions. This advantage will enable the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster to continue attracting investment to become the largest international transshipment gateway in the country, with regional and global significance.

Solutions to attract import-export enterprises

Despite many advantages, enterprises are still limited in directly using the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster for import-export goods. Currently, the rate of direct container handling at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port is only about 13-15% of the port's throughput. The remaining over 85% of import-export goods are gathered and transported to areas such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong by barge.

Explaining why enterprises are still limited in directly using the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster for customs clearance of import-export goods, Mr. Bui Van Quy cited three main reasons: traffic congestion on the road; most shippers are located in industrial zones in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, making connections to Cat Lai port very close and convenient. Additionally, the logistics service ecosystem at the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port area has not been fully invested, making it difficult to access and persuade customers for direct handling. The area also lacks specialized cargo handling and service centers, as well as state quality inspection centers near the port.

Given its extremely important geographical position, economically, politically, and in terms of national defense, developing the port system at Cai Mep - Thi Vai is not just the task of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province but of the whole country. This is not only an immediate task but also a long-term one to maximize national competitive advantages with regional countries. To continue effectively utilizing the existing port system, especially container ports, and meet market trends in the near future, experts suggest focusing resources on investing in and improving the transport infrastructure connecting the port and its hinterland.

The Ministry of Transport and related ministries and agencies need to concentrate resources on speeding up the completion of the Phuoc An bridge project, connecting Ba Ria - Vung Tau's inter-port road with the Nhon Trach/Dong Nai area and the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway. Once these routes are operational, along with the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway currently under investment, it will facilitate quick and convenient transport connections from the southwestern provinces through Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai to Ba Ria - Vung Tau, reducing traffic pressure on the increasingly overloaded National Highway 51.

Furthermore, it is necessary to develop ports and hinterland infrastructure in combination. Priority should be given to creating favorable conditions for domestic enterprises with resources and experience to invest systematically in deep-water ports so that the Cai Mep Ha and Ha Luu Cai Mep deep-water ports truly become modern, fully connected ports with economic and national defense value. Port planning needs to be synchronized with the development of logistics service areas behind the port and planned land reserves to meet development needs, facilitating enterprises, shortening customs clearance times, and minimizing logistics costs.

By Le Thu/ Tran Minh

Related News

Hai Phong Customs’ revenue rises about VND 1,000 billion

Hai Phong Customs’ revenue rises about VND 1,000 billion

VCN- In the first month of the year, Hai Phong Customs' revenue increased by nearly VND1,000 billion.
Import and export turnover reaches about US$29 billion in the second half of January 2025

Import and export turnover reaches about US$29 billion in the second half of January 2025

VCN - Vietnam's total import and export turnover in the second half of January 2025 (January 16-31, 2025) reached US$28.9 billion, the latest preliminary statistics of the General Department of Vietnam Customs reported.
State revenue in first month of the year equal to 14% of the estimate

State revenue in first month of the year equal to 14% of the estimate

VCN - According to the Ministry of Finance, in January - the first month of 2025, the total state budget revenue is estimated at VND275.9 trillion, equal to 14% of the estimate; meanwhile, the total state budget expenditure is estimated at VND134.4 trillion.
Hai Phong Customs processes more than 1,500 declarations during 2025 Lunar New Year holiday

Hai Phong Customs processes more than 1,500 declarations during 2025 Lunar New Year holiday

VCN - During the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, Hai Phong Customs Department processed 1,547 declarations.
Comment

Latest News

Embracing green exports: a pathway to enter global supply chains

Embracing green exports: a pathway to enter global supply chains

This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to innovate and enhance their competitive edge in the international arena.
New policy proposed to prevent transfer pricing, tax evasion of FDI enterprises

New policy proposed to prevent transfer pricing, tax evasion of FDI enterprises

The ministry proposes to issue a decree on the establishment, management and use of the Investment Support Fund to stabilise the investment environment, encourage and attract strategic investors and multinational corporations.
Việt Nam’s durian exports to China plummet by 80%

Việt Nam’s durian exports to China plummet by 80%

This sharp decline has had a direct impact on Việt Nam’s fruit and vegetable export revenue, which stood at US$416 million in January 2025, marking a 11.3 per cent decrease month-on-month and a 5.2 per cent drop year-on-year.
Coconut exports reach 14-year high

Coconut exports reach 14-year high

In 2024, fresh coconut and coconut product exports surpassed US$1 billion, marking the highest figure in the past 14 years.

More News

Shrimp exports grow in the first month of 2025

Shrimp exports grow in the first month of 2025

According to data from the Việt Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp products recorded a 13 per cent increase in export value in January 2025, reaching a total of $273.3 million.
Rice export prices drop, but decline expected to be short-term

Rice export prices drop, but decline expected to be short-term

Việt Nam’s rice export prices have declined, reaching their lowest level in three years.
Key agro products expected to maintain export growth this year

Key agro products expected to maintain export growth this year

At present, agricultural exports, such as rice, coffee and seafood, have steadily secured a stable place in major global markets.
EU issues 12 warnings against Việt Nam’s food and agricultural exports

EU issues 12 warnings against Việt Nam’s food and agricultural exports

The Việt Nam SPS Office has reported that some Vietnamese export products failed to meet the EU’s stringent standards.
Việt Nam to impose VAT on low-value express-imported goods

Việt Nam to impose VAT on low-value express-imported goods

Việt Nam will end a previous policy that exempted imported goods valued under VNĐ1 million (US$39.4) from taxes when shipped via express delivery.
Exchange rate risks need attention in near future

Exchange rate risks need attention in near future

VCN - Exchange rate developments in 2025 are considered to be quite complicated due to US policies related to trade and investment.
Vietnam kicked off the year with a strong start in trade, exceeding US$63 billion in the first month

Vietnam kicked off the year with a strong start in trade, exceeding US$63 billion in the first month

VCN - Data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicates a softening of both exports and imports in January 2025, relative to the same month in 2024.
Market edges up slightly as liquidity remains low

Market edges up slightly as liquidity remains low

Market breadth remained positive, with 161 gainers outnumbering 144 decliners.
Business regulations must be trimmed for development of enterprises: Experts

Business regulations must be trimmed for development of enterprises: Experts

The General Statistics Office (GSO)'s socio-economic report for January 2025 reveals that while over 33,400 newly established or resumed businesses entered the market - marking a 15% increase compared to January 2024 - more than 58,300 businesses withdrew from the market, representing a growth of 8.1% on year.
Read More

Your care

The system has not recorded your reading habits.

Please Login/Register so that the system can provide articles according to your reading needs.

Latest Most read
Embracing green exports: a pathway to enter global supply chains

Embracing green exports: a pathway to enter global supply chains

This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to innovate and enhance their competitive edge in the international arena.
New policy proposed to prevent transfer pricing, tax evasion of FDI enterprises

New policy proposed to prevent transfer pricing, tax evasion of FDI enterprises

The ministry proposes to issue a decree on the establishment, management and use of the Investment Support Fund to stabilise the investment environment, encourage and attract strategic investors and multinational corporations.
Việt Nam’s durian exports to China plummet by 80%

Việt Nam’s durian exports to China plummet by 80%

This sharp decline has had a direct impact on Việt Nam’s fruit and vegetable export revenue, which stood at US$416 million in January 2025, marking a 11.3 per cent decrease month-on-month and a 5.2 per cent drop year-on-year.
Coconut exports reach 14-year high

Coconut exports reach 14-year high

In 2024, fresh coconut and coconut product exports surpassed US$1 billion, marking the highest figure in the past 14 years.
Shrimp exports grow in the first month of 2025

Shrimp exports grow in the first month of 2025

According to data from the Việt Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp products recorded a 13 per cent increase in export value in January 2025, reaching a total of $273.3 million.
Mobile Version