The Hai Phong seaport area is expected to witness strong growth as new terminals at Lach Huyen come into operation in 2025.
New Terminals Gradually Put into Operation
Recently, Hai Phong Hateco Port (HHIT) – the largest deep-water seaport in northern Vietnam – welcomed its first vessel. That was the ESL Dubai ship, measuring 216 meters with a capacity of 319,000 DWT. Thus, as of early this year, northern Vietnam now has a deep-water port capable of handling two large container ships simultaneously, each with a capacity of up to 200,000 DWT.
Hai Phong Hateco Container Port, with berths 5 and 6, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it the first smart port in Vietnam. It features automatic entry/exit gates and semi-automated berths, capable of accommodating the world’s largest ships that can travel directly to and from distant locations such as the U.S. East and West Coasts.
With a total area of 73 hectares, a 900-meter berth length, and water depth ranging from -16.8m to -18.4m, Hateco Hai Phong Port can receive two large container ships simultaneously (≥ 18,000 TEU) with a maximum length of 400 meters.
According to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tiến, General Director of Hai Phong Hateco International Container Port, to handle vessels exceeding 155,000 DWT, the company meticulously planned every phase – from design and contractor selection to construction methods and equipment – ensuring operational safety and efficiency. The selected equipment is advanced and environmentally friendly, aiming to achieve high productivity and excellent service quality.
In addition to berths 5 and 6 of Hateco International Container Port, berths 3 and 4 operated by Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company at the Lach Huyen area are also being finalized for commissioning in 2025.
Moreover, under the "Reaching Out to the Open Sea" policy, Hai Phong’s seaport operations are becoming increasingly vibrant. Berths 7 and 8 are currently undergoing preparatory procedures for project initiation, while proposals for berths 9, 10, 11, and 12 have been submitted to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Once operational, these berths will enhance the competitiveness and capacity of Lach Huyen.
Mr. Nguyễn Tường Anh, General Director of Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company, shared that in 2025, the company will reorganize its business system and implement a more professional customer care system to build trust and long-term cooperation. By the end of Q1/2025, berth 3 under the berth 3–4 project will be operational. The company is confident in achieving impressive business targets for the year.
A Leap Forward
Hai Phong is currently the fastest-growing seaport locality in Vietnam, with leading cargo throughput growth. The city's port system now comprises five main port zones, 52 seaports, 98 berths, and a total berth length of about 14,178.5 meters. Notably, Lach Huyen International Gateway Port can accommodate container ships over 200,000 DWT.
From 2018 to 2023, the city handled 761.1 million tons of cargo, an 85.8% increase compared to 2014–2018. Hai Phong's port companies now operate over 100 shipping service routes to numerous countries and territories worldwide.
According to the latest World Shipping Council rankings, Hai Phong Port ranks 33rd among the world’s 50 busiest container ports.
Under the detailed planning for Lach Huyen Port area within Port Group No. 1 through 2020 and toward 2030, six container terminals are planned by 2025 with a total length of 2,250–2,400 meters, capable of handling 2.2–2.7 million TEU annually. By 2030 (including the 2025 phase), 10–12 terminals are planned, totaling 3,750–5,100 meters in length, and handling 5.5–6.1 million TEU annually.
In practice, Hai Phong is effectively leveraging its seaport advantages to develop and prosper from maritime trade. The addition of new terminals in the Lach Huyen area will significantly boost competitiveness in cargo sourcing.
A representative from An Trang Trading and Transport Investment Co., Ltd. stated that in recent years, cargo throughput at Hai Phong seaport has steadily increased by 2–8% annually. With expanding warehouse space, modern infrastructure, and high-speed cargo handling capabilities, Hai Phong is solidifying its status as one of Vietnam’s largest seaports. In particular, the commissioning of new terminals at Lach Huyen in 2025 promises a new phase of expansion and readiness for global integration.
According to Mr. Bùi Nguyên Khôi, Director of Hai Phong Maritime Administration, port enterprises plan to bring berths 3, 4, 5, and 6 into operation in Q1/2025. Along with berths 1 and 2, these will accommodate ultra-large container vessels up to 18,000 TEU. Since September 2024, the administration has been preparing to support efficient port operations, including traffic management scenarios and safety planning for the new berths.