Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port Cluster: A bright spot of green seaports in the region

(VTC News) - Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster has emerged as a bright spot in the region's green seaports by simultaneously applying the smart port model.

In mid-2025, on the nearly 180 km long inland waterway from Binh Duong (old) to Cai Mep - Thi Vai, the first fully electric barges were put into trial operation. Not a theoretical model or demonstration project, this is the result of cooperation between Gemadept and CMA CGM Group (France) - one of the largest shipping lines in the world - marking a real turning point in Vietnam's logistics.

The introduction of the electric barge fleet not only creates a new mode of transport but also paves the way for the target of reducing about 778 tons of CO₂ per year, towards international standards on green logistics. This development shows that the Vietnamese seaport industry is entering a stage of competition by “green standards”, where businesses that do not convert will be left out of the global supply chain.

Tan Cang - Cai Mep International Port won the 2020 Green Port Award from the APEC Port Services Network Council.

As announced in May 2025, Gemadept and CMA CGM officially established a joint venture to operate the first 100% electric barge fleet in Vietnam. The 180 km long operating route helps reduce 778 tons of CO₂/year - not a large number compared to the world , but a strategically significant first step in Vietnam, where water transport is still mainly dependent on fossil fuels.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, Head of Public Relations and ESG Coordination Department of Gemadept, the enterprise has prepared for green transformation since 2023: Establishing an ESG Department, measuring greenhouse gases according to international standards, aiming to apply ESG synchronously throughout the system by 2025.

Gemadept aims to build an ecological port model - low-emission logistics, deploying: smartPort, smartGate, riverGate systems, rooftop solar power, electric vehicles and equipment. The electric barge fleet is just the first step in a broad greening strategy, helping the business meet the standards imposed by global shipping lines.

Tan Cang Saigon: From pioneer to "flagship" of green transformation

If Gemadept is the pioneer in clean water transport, then Tan Cang Saigon Corporation (TCSG) is the enterprise that laid the earliest foundation for the green port model in Vietnam.

Since 2009 - when the concept of "green port" was still unfamiliar, TCSG decided to replace all diesel-powered equipment with electric equipment. This was a fundamental step, creating far-reaching changes: Operating costs reduced from 200 billion to 66 billion VND/year; Limiting noise and emissions; Increasing operating efficiency; Creating the premise for automation and smart management.

To date, TCSG transports 80% of goods between Cai Mep - Thi Vai and Ho Chi Minh City by barge, reducing pressure on roads and reducing hundreds of thousands of tons of emissions each year.

Tan Cang - Cai Mep International Port builds and operates a seaport according to the "green" model.

In parallel, solar power systems were installed on office roofs; lifting equipment and tractors were gradually converted to electric power; shore power was provided to ships; and the waste treatment system was upgraded. The two largest ports of Tan Cang - Cat Lai and Tan Cang - Cai Mep - have been recognized as green ports by the Asia- Pacific Ports Network (APSN).

Discussing the greening roadmap, Mr. Bui Van Quy, Deputy General Director of TCSG, said that the enterprise has proactively implemented the strategy early, starting with electrifying equipment - the most feasible step and bringing immediate results.

From cranes, forklifts to port vehicles, all are gradually being replaced from diesel to electric. At the same time, Tan Cang also installed solar power systems in many warehouses and offices to supplement clean energy sources, reducing dependence on grid electricity.

However, according to Mr. Quy, energy conversion is only part of the “green surgery”. More importantly, businesses must also change their transportation methods.

This is the reason why TCSG is promoting the transfer of goods to barges, reducing the load on roads, which cause congestion and high emissions. The efficiency is clearly seen: while a truck only carries one container and consumes about 50 liters of fuel for a distance of 100 km, a barge can carry 30 - 40 containers for the same distance and reduce fuel consumption by up to 70%.

To overcome the obstacles of the transformation process, Tan Cang Saigon established a Green Port Steering Committee to unify goals, assign tasks and build a suitable roadmap for the entire system. At the same time, the enterprise established an internal training center to regularly update knowledge on clean energy, smart ports, carbon management, etc. to help employees proactively adapt.

Tan Cang also proactively expands international cooperation, sending personnel to study at advanced ports in Europe, the US, Singapore, China, and Japan. These experiences are brought back to apply directly at Cat Lai and TCIT, creating substantial and sustainable changes.

Panorama of Tan Cang - Cai Mep International Port.

According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the country has 34 seaports, of which some ports such as Tan Cang Cat Lai, Cai Mep - Thi Vai, Da Nang, Hai Phong have met many green port criteria. However, the green transformation progress of the entire industry is still slow. Mr. Hoang Hong Giang, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, warned that if not accelerated, the maritime industry is at risk of falling behind, as green shipping lines will only choose ports that meet low emission standards.

According to Mr. Hoang Hong Giang, green transformation in the seaport industry can start with feasible steps such as using clean energy, digitizing operating processes, optimizing exploitation and gradually investing in clean fuel factories at ports.

The Maritime and Waterways Administration will recommend that the Ministry of Construction propose to the Government to soon issue preferential policies on taxes and prices and promote communication to support businesses. At the same time, it is necessary to speed up the progress of building a clear legal framework, creating a favorable corridor for businesses to confidently invest and implement the green transformation roadmap.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cum-cang-cai-mep-thi-vai-diem-sang-cang-bien-xanh-trong-khu-vuc-ar985720.html