Hai Phong aims to become Southeast Asia’s leading seaport and logistics hub

Impressive cargo growth

According to Bui Nguyen Khoi, Director of the Hai Phong Maritime Administration, in the first seven months of 2025, cargo throughput at Hai Phong seaports reached 65.5 million tons, up 7% compared to the same period in 2024. Of this, 55.5 million tons were handled through seagoing vessels and 10 million tons via inland waterway vessels. The city also welcomed 10,481 ship calls, up 10% year-on-year.

At Lach Huyen, the largest deep-water port in the North, container throughput in the first seven months reached 1.2 million TEUs, up as much as 34%. Notably, in April and May, Hateco Group and Hai Phong Port JSC. inaugurated and put into operation four new berths (No. 3 to No. 6) at Lach Huyen port, opening multiple shipping routes to Europe and the US. With all six berths in operation since May, 2025 throughput is expected to reach 2.2 million TEUs.

Throughout the first months of 2025, the city’s major port operators all recorded double-digit growth. Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Terminal (TC-HICT) continued to maintain over 120,000 TEUs per month. For Hai Phong Port JSC., the city’s largest port enterprise, the first seven months of 2025 marked a period of bustling activity. Other ports also posted strong growth in the first half of the year, such as VIP Green Port, Nam Dinh Vu, Hai An, and Nam Hai Dinh Vu.

Under the detailed master plan for the development of Hai Phong’s seaport land and waters for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050 approved by the Ministry of Construction, by 2030, the city’s seaport system is expected to handle 175.4 – 215.5 million tons of cargo and 20,400 – 22,800 passengers. The area will comprise 61 – 73 terminals, including 98 – 111 wharves with a total length of 20,196 – 23,446 m (excluding other berths).

By 2050, cargo throughput is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5 – 5.3%, while passenger volume will increase by 1.5 – 1.6% per year.

Promoting special mechanisms and strategic projects

On July 8, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Decision No. 1497/QD-TTg approving the construction of four new berths (No. 9 to No. 12) at Lach Huyen port with a total capital of nearly 24.846 trillion VND.

The main berths, 1,800 m long, are designed to accommodate vessels of 12,000 – 18,000 TEUs, along with a 400-m secondary berth for domestic ships, all will be equipped with modern infrastructure and handling facilities.

Based on Resolution 226/2025/QH15, Hai Phong has accelerated the development of logistics centers covering over 50 ha, connected with seaports, airports, and inland waterway ports.

The city prioritizes the building of a digital seaport platform, AI and IoT application to optimize supply chain management, and development of green and smart ports, while actively attracting major shipping lines and expanding direct container services to Europe and the US.

A series of strategic projects will be implemented soon, including Nam Do Son Port, berths 7 and 12 at Lach Huyen, the Ninh Binh–Hai Phong expressway, and the Lao Cai–Ha Noi–Hai Phong railway, ensuring multimodal transport connectivity.

The city also pays attention to developing river ports, particularly in the western area, to enable cargo to penetrate deeper inland while reducing road congestion and transportation costs.

With synchronized, methodical investment and maximum use of special mechanisms, Hai Phong is determined to realize its goal of becoming a leading logistics and seaport service hub in Southeast Asia. With modern transport and seaport infrastructure, strong industrial foundations following its merger with Hai Duong province, and increasingly deep international connectivity, Hai Phong is not only affirming its role as the “Northern gateway to the sea” but also rising as a crucial link in the global supply chain.

NINH THANH