Unobstructed waterways create development advantage
Hai Phong city always regards transportation as the sector that must go one step ahead. The city is determined not to let bridges become bottlenecks that slow down the growth of waterway transport.
High bridges, wide channels
In many localities, a number of bridges have turned into bottlenecks, forcing barges and vessels to limit their loads or incur extra transshipment costs. With long-term vision, Hai Phong addressed this challenge right from the planning and design stages.
When planning bridges across rivers, the city carefully calculated clearance height and navigational span. Construction standards not only ensure smooth road traffic but also prioritize maritime navigation, allowing vessels of several thousand tons to pass safely.
Many bridges in the city clearly demonstrate this approach. Binh bridge over the Cam river was designed with a 25-m navigational span, allowing 3,000-DWT ships to pass with ease. Further out, Tan Vu–Lach Huyen bridge, connecting the mainland directly to Cat Hai island, was planned alongside the dredging and expansion of Lach Huyen port to accommodate ultra-large container ships. New bridges under construction were also designed with navigational clearance carefully considered.
In parallel with bridges, the city also focuses on navigation channels. The approach channel to Hai Phong Port has been dredged and upgraded multiple times to maintain sufficient depth and width for large vessels.
Beyond physical works, the city has also introduced policies to support inland waterway transport and ease pressure on the road network. Since 2023, Hai Phong has reduced seaport infrastructure fees by 50% for cargo transported by barges and river vessels, a strong move encouraging businesses to make full use of waterway advantages and natural conditions.
Smoothness
The system of high bridges and wide channels not only facilitates the movement of large cargo ships but also opens up strong opportunities for developing waterway transport and river tourism, both of which are Hai Phong’s strengths.
According to the Department of Construction, the city has hundreds of wharves and inland ports, as well as dozens of national and local waterway routes. Bridges such as Binh, Hoang Van Thu, Nguyen Trai, and May Chai all meet clearance standards, allowing vessels and barges of 1,000 – 3,000 tons to travel easily.
From Hai Phong, cargo ships can sail downstream to Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Ha Noi or head out to the East Sea without encountering obstacles in bridges or channels. Thanks to the high-bridge system, the transshipment of goods by barge and river vessel between industrial parks, inland ports, and seaports continuously takes place, significantly reducing logistics time and costs.
Alongside cargo transport, river tourism is emerging as a promising direction for the port city. Many travel companies are operating cruise routes along the Cam and Lach Tray rivers, connecting the city center with the tourist areas of Do Son, Cat Hai, and Cat Ba.
New bridges with modern designs and high clearance create open spaces, allowing tourist boats to move flexibly and safely even during the rainy and stormy season, an advantage few riverfront cities in Northern Vietnam can match.
Ensuring appropriate bridge clearance not only reflects long-term vision but also demonstrates Hai Phong’s determination to develop sustainable waterways. It helps the city strengthen its role as a logistics hub while expanding river-based eco-tourism. With this approach, Hai Phong is steadily realizing its goal of becoming the largest center for waterway transport and tourism in Northern Vietnam.
BAO ANH