Cai Mep-Thi Vai port set to become international transshipment hub

Responding to proposals from the Ho Chi Minh City's voters after the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) has issued an official document supporting early investment and operation of the Cai Mep Ha and downstream Cai Mep Ha terminal areas in Ho Chi Minh City.

This aligns with the approved detailed seaport planning roadmap to develop Cai Mep into an international transshipment port.

Previously, the voters proposed that the Government "invest early in developing Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port into an international transshipment port, and simultaneously construct the Can Gio - Vung Tau bridge and a high-speed railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City - Ba Ria - Binh Duong to leverage transportation connectivity for import-export and logistics."

Regarding the investment and development of Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port into an international transshipment port, the ministry stated that according to the master plan for the development of Vietnam's seaport system, and the detailed plan for Vietnam's seaport clusters for the  2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the Cai Mep terminal area (including Cai Mep Ha and downstream Cai Mep Ha) within Ba Ria-Vung Tau seaport will become a gateway port and international transshipment hub. It is designed with berths for container ships from 6,000 to 24,000 TEUs or larger when conditions permit, and for general cargo, liquid/gas carriers up to 150,000 tons or larger with appropriate draft reduction for waterway operations.

The scale by 2030 includes 7 port berths (17-18 piers) for container ships up to 24,000 TEUs or larger; 2 port berths (4 piers) for general cargo and bulk carriers up to 150,000 tons or larger. The downstream Cai Mep Ha area will be developed based on the demand for international transshipment container cargo as committed by investors and in sync with connecting infrastructure; by 2050, the Cai Mep Ha terminal will have a scale of approximately 17 piers.

The ministry also noted that currently, the Ministry of Finance and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee are appraising the investment proposal for the construction project of the Cai Mep Ha and downstream Cai Mep Ha terminal areas for approval and submission to competent authorities for investment policy approval.