A series of key transportation projects, including the Ca Mau - Dat Mui expressway, the sea bridge to Hon Khoai Island, and the Hon Khoai dual-use general port, were simultaneously launched on August 19th. This cluster of projects has a total investment of over 60,000 billion VND and is expected to create a breakthrough in socio -economic development and strengthen national defense and security for the southernmost region of Vietnam.
Regional Strategic Connectivity Center
The Hon Khoai island cluster is located about 15 km southeast of Khai Long beach in Ca Mau province. Along with its satellite islands, Hon Sao, Hon Go, Hon Doi Moi, and Hon Da Le, it forms a natural belt guarding the southwestern sea. Hon Khoai is the largest island, covering approximately 400 hectares. Its rugged, rocky terrain, with peaks reaching 318 meters above sea level, boasts abundant natural freshwater resources, and a rich ecosystem. However, the island remains largely uninhabited, primarily occupied by armed forces personnel.
Hon Khoai Island currently has a 14 km long road serving national defense purposes, surrounded by a vast sea area of over 1,200 km2. It is located near an important international shipping route with a high volume of cargo ships passing through daily. Situated along this shipping lane and close to international shipping routes, Hon Khoai serves as both a strategic point for controlling and managing ship traffic and a natural barrier for maritime border defense.
Perspective view of the sea bridge connecting the mainland to Hon Khoai Island, linking to the Ca Mau - Dat Mui expressway. Photo: MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
With its strategic location, Hon Khoai Island is identified as the most important outpost, playing a key role in the national defense and security strategy in the southwestern sea region. In the long term, the development of this island should not only serve the needs of the people and the economy, but more importantly, closely integrate economic development with national defense and security.
The commencement of three key projects related to Hon Khoai Island is considered a major turning point, transforming this strategically important island into a regional connectivity hub. Among them is the 18-kilometer-long sea bridge connecting the end point of the Ca Mau - Dat Mui expressway with Hon Khoai Island. This project has a total investment of over 25,700 billion VND, designed to modern standards with four lanes and a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The project is managed by the Project Management Board 166 of the Ministry of National Defense and is being urgently constructed by the 12th Army Corps. Upon completion, it will be the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
This bridge is the dream of generations of people in Dat Mui, and when completed, it will directly connect a remote island to the national infrastructure system. "It's truly an immeasurable joy for generations of people here. Before, we only dared to dream and imagine a bridge connecting the mainland to Hon Khoai Island, never believing it would become a reality," said Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang, a resident of Dat Mui commune.
Defend the homeland early and from afar.
Along with the sea bridge, the Hon Khoai dual-purpose general port project is being implemented right on the island, more than 17 km from the mainland. The project is invested by the Vietnam Navy. The initial phase includes a 1,000m long berth with a capacity of 20 million tons/year; a water area and turning basin of approximately 203 hectares, capable of receiving ships with a tonnage of up to 250,000 DWT. Notably, the port has a system of breakwaters, protective embankments, a military docking area, barracks and supporting infrastructure, ensuring a "2-in-1" role: serving economic development and national defense.
In its final phase, the port will expand to an area of 686 hectares, adding two general cargo and container berths with a length of 1,000 meters and two liquid and gas berths, capable of receiving vessels of 150,000 DWT. This is a major development, transforming Hon Khoai into a logistics center and maritime gateway to the southernmost part of the country.
Many experts and local leaders see the synchronized implementation of infrastructure projects on Hon Khoai Island as a concrete manifestation of the viewpoint of "economic development linked to national defense from early on and from afar." The economic infrastructure is designed for dual use, meaning that in peacetime it can serve freight transport and commercial development; and when needed, it can immediately become a military logistics base.
Mr. Pham Thanh Ngai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province, stated that upon completion (expected by the end of 2028), the series of projects will seamlessly connect the North-South expressway to Dat Mui and Hon Khoai island, meeting the requirements of socio-economic development while ensuring national defense and security not only for Ca Mau province but also for the entire Mekong Delta region.
"From an island primarily used for defense, when directly connected to the national infrastructure system and with the construction of a seaport, Hon Khoai could become a strategic goods transit point, attracting investment in logistics services, and even developing eco-tourism associated with its historical and revolutionary values," Mr. Ngai hoped.
Creating momentum for the development of the marine economy.
General Phan Van Giang - Member of the Politburo, Minister of National Defense - affirmed that the investment in the construction of the Ca Mau - Dat Mui expressway, the road to Hon Khoai island, and the Hon Khoai dual-use general port is of special importance, aiming to seamlessly connect the Eastern North-South expressway to Dat Mui, linking the mainland and Hon Khoai island to realize the economic development orientation of Hon Khoai to become the "Southernmost Continent" of the country in the coming years, contributing to the implementation of important national strategic orientations, as well as for Ca Mau province.
Minister Phan Van Giang requested that all corps and units of the army implement "3 resolutions and 3 readinesses" to complete projects on schedule, quickly achieve investment efficiency, and contribute to breakthroughs in national development.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/danh-thuc-luc-dia-cuc-nam-196250906202740071.htm
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