New port planned for Binh Thuan

A new general port that can receive ships of up to 150,000 DWT will be built in the south-central province of Binh Thuan to serve the Son My Industrial Park, LNG warehouse, and Son My electricity center.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration is seeking the Ministry of Transport's approval for Son My Industrial Park Infrastructure Investment and Construction Company’s proposal to invest in building the 160-hectare general port in Son My commune, Ham Tan district.

It will have a port harbor with three general wharfs and three specialised wharfs. General wharfs can handle ships of 30,000-50,000 tonnes and specialised wharfs can receive ships of 50,000-150,000 tonnes.

Construction of the port is divided into two phases and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Building a breakwater and an embankment, renovating the yards and warehouses, dredging the channels and canals, and setting up navigation signals will also be done.

According to the master development plan of Vietnam’s seaport system in the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Binh Thuan will develop port areas in Vinh Tan, Son My, Ke Ga, and Phan Thiet, and offshore terminals.

The general port in Son My is expected to directly serve the Son My Industrial Park, liquefied natural gas (LNG) warehouse and Son My electricity center, including general wharfs and passenger berths.

It is designed to serve ships transporting gas, oil and other liquids, with a total capacity of 4.5-6 million tonnes a year.

The maritime administration has also proposed that the transport ministry direct local authorities to coordinate with the investor to ensure the implementation progress of the project and that it would not negatively impact the ground, water surface and coastal areas.

The investor also needs to work with local authorities for instructions on construction-related administrative procedures and other related regulations to expedite the work, it added.