Vietnam is an integral part of international trade in ASEAN. The country’s port infrastructure has grown significantly, driven by increased foreign investment and government initiatives to upgrade capacity and efficiency. This development has been particularly beneficial for trade routes from the UK to Vietnam, opening up new business opportunities to import and export sea freight from both countries.
Vietnam’s Port Infrastructure
Vietnam has a coastline of approximately 3,444 km and around 320 ports, operating 44 seaports with a total capacity of 700 million tons annually. The port infrastructure in Vietnam is divided into three main regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, and each region has its own set of major harbours that cater to different types of cargo and trade requirements. According to the World Shipping Council, three Vietnamese seaports are among the top 50 globally in terms of cargo throughput: Ho Chi Minh City Port (ranked 26th), Hai Phong Port (ranked 33rd), and Cai Mep Port (ranked 50th).
The Vietnamese government has been investing heavily in port infrastructure to meet the growing demands of international trade and improve the efficiency of the logistics network. Due to the lack of deep-water ports, the country is predicted to lose $2.4 billion annually. So, by 2030, the goal is to modernise and expand the port system, increasing capacity to 1.14 – 1.42 billion tonnes of cargo.
Major Ports in North Vietnam
Northern Vietnam’s coastline is home to several key ports that deal with a large portion of the country’s import and export traffic, including trade with the UK. The region’s proximity to China and other ASEAN countries makes it a focal point for oceanic commerce.
Hai Phong Port
Hai Phong Port is the largest and most significant container port in Northern Vietnam. It handles a wide range of cargo types, including liquid bulk, containerised, and breakbulk cargo. It is the country’s second-largest seaport and strategically located 90 km east-southeast of Hanoi, making it an essential link in the supply chain for goods moving to and from the capital.
The port is equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities, including a multipurpose river port on the right bank of the Song Bach Dang and Song Cam rivers. Hai Phong Port can accommodate vessels up to 40,000 DWT for breakbulk and bulk cargoes and up to 50,000 DWT for container ships. The ongoing development of the Lach Huyen deep-water port, which will include new bulk and container terminals, is set to improve the capacity and capabilities.
Vung Ang Port
Based in Ha Tinh province, Vung Ang Port primarily handles bulk cargoes, including coal, iron ore, and other raw materials essential for the region’s industrial activities. The port’s tactical position near the Vung Ang Economic Zone of Northern Vietnam and its ability to hold large vessels makes it a gateway for industrial exports and imports, particularly in the steel and thermal power sectors.
Quang Ninh Port
Quang Ninh Port, located in the Quang Ninh province, is a significant port cluster with several smaller ports, like Cai Lan Port. Cai Lan Port is the deepest and largest seaport in Northern Vietnam, and with a channel depth ranging from 10 to 20 meters, it can efficiently direct large vessels. It has extensive storage facilities, including a container yard of 142,000 square meters and a warehouse of 12,700 square meters.
Quang Ninh Ports’ closeness to the Chinese border and deep-water capabilities make it an essential hub for global trade. The port is continuously being developed to control increasing cargo volumes, focusing on enhancing its capacity to support the region’s growing industrial and commercial activities.
Major Ports in Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam’s strategic location along the country’s coastline facilitates trade between the northern and southern parts of the country, and the port serves as a gateway to international commerce.
These ports are integral to Vietnam’s efforts to develop a more balanced and efficient national logistics network, reducing the pressure on the north and south while supporting regional economic growth.
Da Nang Port
The port of Da Nang, situated in the city of Da Nang, is the largest in this region of Vietnam and one of the country’s major commercial ports. As Da Nang is approximately halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it is an essential stopover for vessels travelling along Vietnam’s coast.
Da Nang Port has several terminals, including Tien Sa Port and Song Han Port. Tien Sa Port, the main deep-water facility, can dock vessels up to 50,000 DWT and handle a diverse range of cargo.
Quy Nhon Port
Quy Nhon Port, located in Binh Dinh Province, is considered the leading port in Central Vietnam. It primarily serves the south-central region and supports the area’s economic development.
The port has 10 different ocean routes connecting to international ports like Singapore, Thailand, and Japan. It has undergone considerable upgrades in recent years to improve its capacity to work with ships up to 30,000 DWT.
Major Ports in Southern Vietnam
The southern region of Vietnam is home to some of the country’s busiest and most important ports. In 2022, Southern Vietnam recorded the highest sea cargo throughput in the country, totalling 219.7 million metric tons. This region, particularly around Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse and a bridge to global markets.
Saigon Port
Ho Chi Minh City’s Port, also known as Saigon Port, is Vietnam’s largest complex. It is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most historically significant ports and can be found along the Saigon River. It handles approximately 67% of Vietnam’s total container throughput, making it a necessary gateway for goods entering and leaving Vietnam. The port is known for its high productivity and has a cargo-handling capacity of approximately 10 million tons annually.
Over the years, it has undergone extensive modernisation to enhance its capacity. It is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure, including several specialised terminals catering to different cargo types. It is one of the few facilities capable of handling post-Panamax ships. Based in the heart of Vietnam’s economic capital near the main industrial zones, its connectivity to the inland transportation network is essential for both domestic and international trade.
Vung Tau Port
Vung Tau Port is a deep-water port that has gained prominence in recent years. Vung Tau also includes the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port complex, which can accommodate large container vessels and bulk carriers. It also gives the oil and gas industry access to trade, making it a hub for petroleum transportation to international markets, including Europe and the United States.
Vung Tau Port’s deep-water capabilities and modern infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in Vietnam’s maritime trade. It reduces congestion at other ports and provides an efficient alternative for large-scale shipping operations.
How SLG Logistics Supports Your Global Trade
Trying to navigate Vietnam’s evolving port infrastructure can be complex, but SLG Logistics is here to simplify your trade operations. Our expertise spans all major ports of Vietnam, and we offer different freight forwarding solutions for sea freight from the UK to Vietnam, including customs clearance assistance and efficient cargo handling. The team’s deep understanding of each port in Vietnam means we can optimise your supply chain, address challenges, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
Don’t let the complications of international shipping hold you or your business back. Partner with SLG Logistics to unlock the full potential of trade with Vietnam. Contact us today to learn how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.