In less than two weeks, Hải Phòng has consecutively inaugurated two major infrastructure projects: the Hateco Hải Phòng International Container Port (HHIT) and the TIL Hải Phòng International Port (HTIT).
These two projects not only enhance the capacity to receive ultra-large ships but also integrate seamlessly with the multimodal transport network—from the Tân Vũ–Lạch Huyện sea-crossing bridge to the Hanoi–Hải Phòng Expressway and Cát Bi International Airport—forming a closed logistics chain. They contribute significantly to export growth, enhanced competitiveness, and shape a sustainable development future for Hải Phòng’s economy.
Strategic Importance On April 5, 2025, Hateco Group and Hải Phòng City People’s Committee officially inaugurated HHIT in the Lạch Huyện port area, witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Mai Văn Chính and Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz. HHIT spans 73 ha with a 900 m quay and berthing depth of –16.8 m to –18.4 m, allowing it to accommodate two container vessels simultaneously up to 200,000 DWT, ≥18,000 TEU, and 400 m in length.
Berths 5 and 6 at HHIT are Vietnam’s first privatized “smart” port facilities, equipped with 10 STS quay cranes, 36 electric RTG cranes, 1,350 reefer plug sockets, NAVIS N4 operating system, QR/OCR scanning, 24/7 surveillance cameras, and a TAS automatic truck appointment system—all ensuring fast, energy-saving, environment-friendly cargo handling.
Ambassador Prytz emphasized: “This project significantly contributes to Vietnam’s green transition, prioritizing advanced green technology and automation to reduce emissions.” Hải Phòng’s Vice Chairman Nguyễn Đức Thọ reported annual cargo traffic growth at 12–15%—190 million tons in 2024, and projected 212 million tons by end 2025.
Just eleven days later, on April 16, 2025 afternoon, the first commercial vessel, MSC MAKALU III of MSC’s Orchid service, docked at berths 3 and 4 of HTIT, marking the official launch of deep-sea container operations at Lạch Huyện’s Cát Hải complex. The vessel—210 m in length, 38,629 tons, carrying 484 containers (829 TEU)—demonstrates HTIT’s capacity for large vessels. A joint venture between Hải Phòng Port JSC and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL—MSC’s port operator), it brings combined financial strength, technology, and international port management expertise.
Hải Phòng Port JSC’s CEO Nguyễn Tường Anh shared: “Thanks to investors and management efforts, Phase 1 (berths 3 & 4) is now fully operational. For Hải Phòng Port, this is a major leap into the deep seas, fulfilling the aspirations of generations of port workers.”
Integrated Infrastructure
Where Hải Phòng truly stands out is its deliberate integration of industry and infrastructure. As the only region in Vietnam with full access to road, rail, inland waterways, aviation, and deep-sea shipping, Hải Phòng is poised to implement long-term sustainable growth plans. Its maritime network—anchored by Lạch Huyện Deep Sea Port—plays a pivotal role in both regional and global trade.
In 2024, Hải Phòng ports handled over 190 million tons of cargo, establishing the city as the leading logistics hub in northern Vietnam and a vital link in the country’s export supply chains. The city has also become a key manufacturing center for electronic components and consumer goods—driven by Korean, Japanese, and increasingly Chinese investments—while auto parts, heavy machinery, and ship components remain major exports, alongside apparel and footwear for global brands.
Overall, HHIT and HTIT are more than infrastructure milestones; they are springboards for Hải Phòng’s sustainable development ambition—from green smart ports to a robust multimodal logistics chain. However, amidst fierce regional competition, Hải Phòng must continue upgrading integrated infrastructure, improving service quality, attracting selective investment, and proactively promoting trade.
Whether Hải Phòng becomes “Vietnam’s Singapore,” a top logistics hub in Southeast Asia, and sustains double digit growth may well depend on its next steps in port development, industrial zones, and transport networks.