Maersk opens its first bonded warehouse in Vietnam

Denmark's integrated transport and logistics giant A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) on Thursday opened its first bonded warehouse in Vietnam at SLP Park, Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Hai Phong city.

Operated by Maersk Contract Logistics, the bonded warehouse marks an important milestone for Maersk in its journey of footprint expansion and development in northern Vietnam in the context of increasing import and export demand from businesses.

The event was attended by Lasse Pedersen Hjortshøj, commercial counsellor of the Danish Embassy in Vietnam.

Maersk’s bonded warehouse is strategically located in the Hai Phong seaport area, along the main logistics axis of northern Vietnam, making it a pivotal logistics hub in the northern region's international transportation network.

The warehouse connects with Maersk’s current fulfillment center in Hai Phong and the upcoming terminal at the city's Lach Huyen port, which is being developed through a strategic partnership between APM Terminals and Hateco.

This connection is expected to strengthen Maersk’s capabilities in providing enhanced storage solutions and operational efficiencies, further streamlining customers’ supply chains and unlocking the local opportunities for growth.

Customers will benefit from improved inventory control and the flexibility to import/export goods without incurring duties, optimizing their supply chains and reducing costs.

Together, these improvements ensure faster delivery times and full compliance with customs regulations, Maersk said in a release.

The warehouse is equipped with cutting-edge technology that ensures the efficiency and safety of operations. Its interior is standardized with a modern racking system, sorting processes, inventory control, and an automatic barcode system with high accuracy.

Additionally, the warehouse prioritizes minimizing electricity and energy consumption. This includes using spot-shaped skylight panels to maximize natural light, energy-saving LEDs, and installing motion and occupancy sensors in office and public areas.

As the first customer for this new facility, Amazon Vietnam, a cross-border e-commerce service provider, will start its operations in October. Maersk Contract Logistics will provide bonded warehouse services, domestic fulfillment, customs procedures, and in-land transportation services.

Kevin Burrell, area managing director of Maersk Mekong (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar), said: “We believe that running our own bonded warehouse directly helps us to synchronize processes for our clients. It also improves service quality and cost control.”

Chris Ji, senior manager of GXD Origin Operation, Amazon, told the event: “Over the past three years, Maersk has embodied the principles of customer obsession and operational excellence, driving remarkable progress for our business. We look forward to the future milestones this facility will enable as we further strengthen our partnership.”

Maersk partners with one of the leading industrial and logistics infrastructure developers in Southeast Asia, SLP, reaffirming its commitment to meeting the comprehensive needs of its customers.

Attending the inauguration ceremony, Edwin Chee, chief operating officer, SLP, commented: “We are honored that Maersk has chosen us as their trusted partner in establishing the first own-licensed bonded warehouse in northern Vietnam at SLP Park Hai Phong...Together, we look forward to driving growth and setting new benchmarks for the industry and the region's development.”

Vietnam is affirming its position as an important logistics hub in the region with outstanding development in production, import-export, and attracting foreign direct investment.