Container route through Vung Ang – starting the journey to build a logistics center

Efforts to maintain new container routes

In the context of many difficulties in cargo output and operating costs, Lao-Viet International Port Joint Stock Company in cooperation with Macstar Group Joint Stock Company is still determined to maintain the Hai Phong - Vung Ang - Hai Phong container transport route.

Behind this determination is a long-term strategy to affirm the role of Vung Ang Port as an international trade gateway for the North Central region, Laos and Northeastern Thailand.

From August 19 to September 23, 2025, there were 5 container ships arriving at Vung Ang port.

From August 19 to October 5, 2025, there were 5 container ships arriving at Vung Ang port, transporting a total of 314 containers (equivalent to 572 TEU). The goods were mainly components for the VinFast Ha Tinh factory and transit goods from Laos.

Specifically, trip 1 reached 120 containers; trip 2 reached 28 containers; trip 3 reached 27 containers; trip 4 reached 124 containers; trip 5 reached 15 containers. Although the volume of goods is still modest, this is an important initial step for the container route to stabilize.

Macstar Group Corporation's shipping line commits to maintaining a minimum frequency of 4 trips/month until the end of 2026.

According to the report of Lao-Viet International Port Joint Stock Company, current revenue is not enough to cover operating costs. However, the shipping line of Macstar Group Joint Stock Company (Macstar) committed to maintaining a minimum frequency of 4 trips/month until the end of 2026, ready to increase to 8 trips/month when cargo volume increases. Notably, Macstar refused to receive support of 200 million VND/trip according to the Resolution of the People's Council of Ha Tinh province, giving this resource to directly support businesses importing and exporting goods by container through the port.

This decision shows that Macstar not only prioritizes immediate benefits, but also values long-term strategy in the region. Accepting losses in the initial stage is a strategic trade-off: maintaining the transport route to retain customers, creating a habit of moving goods through Vung Ang, and at the same time affirming its commitment to accompany Ha Tinh in building Vung Ang into an international trade gateway for the North Central region, Laos and Northeast Thailand.

In fact, when comparing costs and time, the Vung Ang - Hai Phong container route is gradually proving its advantage in shortening the transportation distance compared to having to transport goods through southern ports. In particular, when a series of large industrial and infrastructure projects in Ha Tinh come into operation, along with the increasing import and export demand from Laos and Thailand, the container transport route through Vung Ang promises to become the optimal choice, promoting the formation of a sustainable logistics ecosystem in the region.

Mr. Cap Trong Cuong - General Director of Macstar shared: "We consider the container route through Vung Ang as a long-term strategic route. Although there are still difficulties and high costs, Macstar accepts losses to maintain the route, because we believe that when industrial parks and large projects in Ha Tinh, Laos, and Thailand develop, this transport route will become the optimal choice in terms of cost and time for businesses...".

Building a sustainable logistics ecosystem

Lao-Viet International Port Joint Stock Company is currently actively connecting and calling on domestic and foreign enterprises to use container services. With the advantage of a system of 3 modern wharves, the ability to receive large vessels up to 70,000 DWT, and a strategic location in the center of the North Central region, Vung Ang is emerging as a potential cargo transit point. Not only serving domestic provinces, the port also plays an important role as a gateway for goods from Laos and the Northeast of Thailand to the sea.

With the advantage of a system of 3 modern wharves, the ability to receive large vessels up to 70,000 DWT, Vung Ang port has full potential and resources to build a sustainable logistics ecosystem.

In fact, many import-export enterprises have begun to switch to using container routes through Vung Ang to shorten time and costs compared to road transport or transporting goods through ports in the North and South. Macstar's persistence in maintaining the route and the commitment of support from Lao-Viet International Port Joint Stock Company shows that the combination of the State and Enterprises is creating a solid logistics "foundation" in Ha Tinh.

In particular, the formation of a fixed container route through Vung Ang will contribute to completing an important "piece" in the strategy of developing Vung Ang Economic Zone into a regional-scale industrial and seaport service center. This is not only a commercial story, but also a strategic step to affirm Ha Tinh's international competitiveness in the period of deep integration.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Lao - Vietnam International Port Joint Stock Company

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Lao - Viet International Port Joint Stock Company affirmed: "Maintaining the container route in this difficult initial period is the foundation for Vung Ang to affirm its position. We are committed to accompanying businesses and Macstar to gradually form a stable and long-term transport route. In the context of current operating revenue not being enough to cover costs, maintaining the container route demonstrates the great determination of the port and its partners.

We do not simply provide seaport services, but aim to build a synchronous logistics ecosystem, helping businesses save costs, shorten time, and expand import and export markets. When large industrial projects in Vung Ang Economic Zone come into operation, when goods from Laos and Northeast Thailand accumulate, this container route will prove its true value, affirming Ha Tinh's strategic role on the international transport map...

The new container route through Vung Ang port has strategic significance in the province's logistics development, while opening up opportunities to reduce transportation costs for businesses in Vung Ang Economic Zone and the North Central region. The Management Board will continue to accompany, remove difficulties, and create the best conditions for Lao-Viet International Port Joint Stock Company and Macstar to maintain and expand this transportation route...
Mr. Pham Tran De - Deputy Head of the Management Board of Ha Tinh Economic Zone

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/tuyen-container-qua-vung-ang-khoi-dau-hanh-trinh-xay-dung-trung-tam-logistics-post296852.html