Strong steps of Hai Phong Port on the journey of international integration - Vietnam National Shipping Lines - VIMC

Joining hands with the world's leading shipping group MSC to deploy commercial shipping routes at Lach Huyen deep-water port cluster shows that Hai Phong Port is taking great strides towards the global market.

On the afternoon of April 16, the container ship MSC MAKALU III belonging to MSC’s Orchid shipping route officially docked at berths 3 and 4 at TIL International Port – a member unit of Hai Phong Port (HTIT). This is considered the first milestone in the commercial operation of the new international container port in Lach Huyen area, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city.

The first commercial ship named MSC MAKALU III, belonging to the Orchid service line of MSC shipping line, has officially docked at berths 3 and 4 of TIL Hai Phong International Port (HTIT). Photo by Thu Duyen.

The event not only marked the official commercial opening of a modern deep-water container port, but also helped increase the proportion of containers handled by Hai Phong Port to 40% in the entire region – in addition to 60% of the market share of other goods – marking a breakthrough change for the northern port industry.

Launch pad from TIL International Port

HTIT – Hai Phong Port International Port – was built in Lach Huyen, Cat Hai area, with the capacity to receive large container ships. This port plays an important role in the strategy of developing Hai Phong into an international maritime trade center. As a new member in the system including Hoang Dieu, Chua Ve, Dinh Vu, Tan Vu and now HTIT, Hai Phong Port recorded a container throughput of more than 29.9 million TEUs in 2024 – an increase of 21% over the previous year.

With HTIT fully operational, Hai Phong’s position as a maritime transport hub in the North will be consolidated, while reducing pressure on traditional ports. The port will also enhance its connectivity with international shipping routes, notably the Orchid route operated by MSC.

A representative of Hai Phong Port shared with the Business Forum: “We have made efforts to complete phase one of berths 3 and 4, putting them into operation with modern technology and synchronous facilities.”

“Moreover, to effectively exploit these two terminals, Hai Phong Port has cooperated with TIL Port Exploitation Group under MSC – the world’s largest container shipping line – to establish a joint venture company. This is the first time Hai Phong Port has officially expanded the scale of international cooperation, demonstrating the determination to realize the ambitions of many generations of staff and workers,” he emphasized.

Strategic connection with MSC group

MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company – was founded in 1970 in Naples (Italy) and is currently headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), and is a leader in the global container shipping industry. As of November 2024, MSC is managing a fleet with a total capacity of nearly 6 million TEUs – including more than 3.2 million owned TEUs and nearly 3 million TEUs chartered, accounting for about 20% of the world container market share.

Terminals No. 3 and No. 4 of Hai Phong Port are a joint venture between Hai Phong Port and TIL Port Exploitation Group of MSC shipping line. Photo by Thu Duyen.

With over 900 operating vessels, 215 service routes and a network of over 500 offices in 155 countries, MSC has a unique competitive advantage in integrated transcontinental logistics.

MSC’s call at HTIT port is a testament to its long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market and Hai Phong Port’s ability to access long-haul shipping routes. The MAKALU III, which operates on the Orchid route, connecting Asia and Europe, is a prime example of using large-capacity vessels to optimize operating costs and shorten delivery times.

Hai Phong – potential to become a regional logistics center

According to data from the Vietnam Maritime Administration, in 2024, the total volume of goods passing through the country's seaport system will reach 864.4 million tons, up 14% over the same period in 2023. Of which, containers will account for 29.9 million TEUs, up 21%. The country will welcome nearly 102,670 international ships (up 2%) and more than 380,000 domestic ships (up 8%).

The volume of goods transported by Vietnam's shipping fleet reached 140.9 million tons, up 3%, of which domestic containers were 3.04 million TEUs - up 11% compared to the previous year. Mr. Nguyen Canh Tinh - General Director of VIMC - commented: "With the current growth rate, Vietnam can completely approach Singapore's maritime exploitation capacity in the near future."

Possessing a deep-water port cluster with a strategic location and a convenient transportation network connecting to Hanoi, Hai Phong is considered a strong candidate for the role of logistics center in Southeast Asia. However, the locality still needs to promote the completion of internal port infrastructure, expand storage capacity, digitalize customs clearance procedures and improve the quality of logistics services.

On the business side, strengthening cooperation with major shipping lines such as MSC, Maersk, CMA-CGM, etc. will contribute to diversifying cargo sources and service routes, reducing dependence on a specific customer group.

Towards sustainable development goals

To realize the ambition of reaching 50 million TEU/year in the next few years, Hai Phong needs to have a reasonable infrastructure investment strategy, combined with preferential policies, developing logistics zones, applying the national one-stop mechanism and training high-quality human resources in the field of maritime transport - logistics.

In addition, cooperation with international financial institutions to invest in green port infrastructure – such as LNG receiving terminals and shore power supply systems – will contribute to reducing emissions and adapting to increasingly stringent environmental standards from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The arrival of MSC MAKALU III at HTIT not only demonstrates the capacity of Hai Phong Port to accommodate large ships, but also signals a strong growth of Vietnam’s maritime industry. To turn current advantages into solid progress, close coordination between the Government, businesses and international partners is needed in infrastructure development, digitalization of operations and improvement of human resource quality.

Although there are still many challenges, if Hai Phong knows how to take advantage of the current transformation period, it can completely become an important connection point in the global logistics chain, accompanying "giants" like MSC on the journey to bring Vietnamese goods to the world.

Business Forum

Source: https://vimc.co/nhung-buoc-di-manh-me-cua-cang-hai-phong/