Conquer the deep sea

In the early days of spring 2026, the continuous arrival of large cargo ships at the port city showcased its new image and stature as it ventured out into the open sea and participated more deeply in the global logistics chain.

Lach Huyen Port has the capacity to receive ultra-heavy container ships, a synchronized berth system, and advanced operating technology. Photo: LE DUNG

Opening the channel to accommodate large ships.

In the early days of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HTIT) was bustling with activity as it welcomed the first ships of the year. Precisely at midnight, the MSC VAIGA III V.HV605R, part of MSC's new Dolphin service, safely docked, marking the beginning of the first ship arrivals of the Year of the Horse. Throughout the Lunar New Year holiday, from HTIT and many other deep-water ports in Lach Huyen, ships sailed out to sea, connecting shipping routes to South America, the United States, and the Intra-Asian region, maintaining a smooth flow of goods right from the start of the new year.

Amidst this positive atmosphere, HTIT Marketing Manager Le Manh Cuong, along with many officials and workers at Hai Phong port, still clearly remember a milestone from 15 years ago. In 2011, a ship carrying Vietnamese workers evacuated from Libya was unable to dock at Hai Phong port because its draft exceeded the depth of the navigation channel. At that time, the channel was silted up, limiting its ability to accommodate large vessels and becoming a "bottleneck" for the city's port development.

Given this reality, the need to open channels for large ships and gradually conquer the deep sea became urgent. At the end of 2012, after receiving government permission, the Hai Phong maritime channel was dredged to ensure it met design standards. This turning point not only resolved infrastructure bottlenecks but also opened up new growth opportunities, creating a foundation for the city's port system to accommodate large ships, leading to rapid and stable increases in cargo volume over the years.

The next milestone was in May 2016, when Hai Phong International Container Port (HICT), now Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Port (TC-HICT), officially laid the first foundation stone for a deep-water port at Lach Huyen, the first deep-water port in Northern Vietnam. Three years later, the 750-meter-long berth came into operation, capable of receiving container ships up to 14,000 TEU, opening the door for goods from the Northern region to directly access trans- Pacific shipping routes.

By 2025, Hai Phong seaport will mark a new stage of development with the simultaneous operation of two deep-water berths at Lach Huyen. Notably, the Hateco Hai Phong International Container Port (HHIT), the first deep-water port project entirely funded by private capital, will be inaugurated. The port is capable of receiving container ships up to 200,000 DWT, operating under a green and smart port model with a capacity of 1.3-1.5 million TEU per year. From Lach Huyen, direct shipping routes connecting Vietnam with the United States and Europe will become increasingly busy.

Mr. Bui Nguyen Khoi, Director of the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority, stated: “The Lach Huyen port area currently has 6 berths operated by 3 enterprises, capable of receiving large container ships from around the world. Along with Cai Mep - Thi Vai, Lach Huyen has become one of Vietnam's two deep-water ports, marking an important step in the port city's journey towards the open sea.”

More room for growth

Hateco Hai Phong International Container Port (HHIT) is the first deep-water port project to be entirely funded by private capital.

The large ships arriving in droves not only bring in the first shipments of goods in the spring but also convey hope for a new phase of growth for the maritime economy.

Previously, most import and export goods from the northern region had to be transshipped through regional ports. Now, with the capacity to receive large vessels and a network of direct shipping routes, the journey to international markets has been significantly shortened. Logistics costs have decreased, and transportation time has been optimized.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Director of Green Transport Co., Ltd. (Thuy Nguyen Ward), believes that the presence of a deep-water port in Hai Phong has brought about significant changes to logistics operations. Goods can be transported directly, without having to be transshipped through other ports.

In 2026, in addition to effectively utilizing existing wharves, the city is promoting the commencement of construction on new wharves, preparing the groundwork for long-term growth. The Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is expected to continue to be a breakthrough year for the maritime economy. The city is not only effectively utilizing existing wharves but also promoting the commencement of construction on new wharves, preparing the groundwork for long-term growth.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, General Director of Hateco Hai Phong International Container Port Co., Ltd., said: "The deep-water port allows us to directly participate in global shipping routes, receive large-tonnage vessels, thereby improving service quality and competitiveness. In 2026, HHIT will focus on optimizing operations and improving operational efficiency to meet the increasingly high demands of international shipping lines.”

Along with Lach Huyen, the development space of Hai Phong's seaport is expanding southward, linked to the orientation of forming large-scale port complexes and logistics centers. Vingroup has decided to invest in the Nam Do Son port and logistics center project on an unprecedented scale. The project covers a total area of ​​over 4,300 hectares, with a total investment of approximately US$14.2 billion, and is expected to become a new growth engine for the city's maritime economy and logistics services.

Mr. Bui Nguyen Khoi emphasized: "Hai Phong identifies port development as a strategic pillar. In the coming time, the city will continue to prioritize resources for connecting infrastructure, reform administrative procedures, and create a transparent investment environment for the sustainable, efficient, and in-depth development of seaports."

From a limited river port, Hai Phong today has gradually conquered the deep sea, expanding its development space and elevating its position on the international maritime map.

According to the detailed development plan for the land and water areas of Hai Phong seaport for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, the city's seaport system is oriented towards developing to meet a cargo throughput of 175.4-215.5 million tons. The plan expands the port system to 111 wharves and berths, with a total length of 20-23.4 km.

HAI MINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/chinh-phuc-bien-sau-536333.html