Work starts on $262 mln port project in HCMC's Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster

Ground has been broken on a VND6.9 trillion ($262.36 million) deep-water port project at the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster in Ho Chi Minh City, as Vietnam steps up efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure and cut logistics costs.

The QTM International Port project, developed by QTM International Port JSC, covers more than 80 hectares in Phu My ward and is expected to become a key logistics hub serving southern Vietnam.

Once completed, the port will feature eight berths with a combined quay length of about 1,817 meters, capable of accommodating vessels of up to 60,000 DWT, with future capacity for ships of up to 100,000 DWT.

The port is designed to handle approximately 16 million tons of cargo annually and will include nearly 200,000 square meters of warehousing and logistics facilities. Construction will be carried out in two phases between 2026 and 2033.

Upon completion, the port is expected to improve freight connectivity between HCMC, Dong Nai city and the Mekong Delta while strengthening links with international shipping routes.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc said Vietnam’s 3,200-km coastline and extensive maritime territory provide a strong foundation for developing the country’s marine economy.

He said seaports and logistics are critical to Vietnam’s trade as most of the country’s imports and exports are transported by sea.

Vietnam’s logistics costs remain relatively high at around 14-16% of GDP, weighing on the competitiveness of domestic exporters, he said, adding that expanding modern port infrastructure and improving transport capacity are essential to building a more resilient logistics network.

He described the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster as one of Vietnam’s most strategically important maritime gateways, saying the QTM International Port would strengthen regional supply chains, lower transportation costs, create jobs, and contribute to HCMC’s economic growth.