‘Greening’ logistics to sustain FDI momentum

An imperative requirement

Hai Phong’s port and logistics infrastructure system is strengthening its strategic role in attracting multinational corporations. By 2026, the Lach Huyen deep-water port complex has brought all six container berths into operation, with a total designed capacity of around 4.7 million TEUs per year. The complex can accommodate “mega-ships” of up to more than 200,000 DWT, while berths 7 to 12 are being urgently developed.

Beyond Lach Huyen, the city’s logistics landscape is also being significantly strengthened by the coordinated development of other key port areas, including the Nam Dinh Vu and Dinh Vu port complexes, the Cam River area, and logistics hubs located in economic and industrial zones across the city.

As Hai Phong enters a new phase of development, the “challenge” of attracting FDI is no longer limited to the capacity to handle mother vessels or the scale of available land.

Amid increasingly demanding global standards, green infrastructure and eco-friendly warehousing systems are becoming important factors in enhancing competitiveness, retaining existing investors, and attracting a new generation of FDI.

With more than 700 hectares of existing warehousing infrastructure and logistics services maintaining annual growth of 20–23%, contributing 13–15% to the city’s GRDP, Hai Phong faces a pressing need to develop integrated green infrastructure as a foundation for attracting new investment flows.

Leading global technology and retail corporations investing in Vietnam today are all making stringent commitments to sustainable development, the use of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions.

If warehousing infrastructure and satellite port facilities continue to operate under traditional models, relying heavily on fossil fuels and lacking smart logistics solutions, FDI enterprises will face significant risks in complying with international environmental standards.

Mr. Pham Van Thep, Member of the Hai Phong Party Committee’s Standing Board and Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, emphasized that the city’s logistics system not only benefits from natural advantages but is also supported by a special institutional framework under National Assembly Resolution No. 226/2025 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for Hai Phong’s development, as well as the establishment of a specialized economic zone and the orientation toward developing the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone.

The city is establishing a favorable legal framework to attract green infrastructure projects. Investors developing seaport infrastructure and eco-friendly logistics warehousing projects in economic zones and surrounding areas will be eligible for the highest levels of incentives on corporate income tax, import tax exemptions for high-tech equipment, land rental, as well as access to new investment support funds. The Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board is committed to providing support throughout the investment process and facilitating investment procedures within the applicable legal framework to maximize support for green infrastructure projects.

Mr. Phung Ngoc Minh, Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation, pointed out that as deep-water berth capacity has rapidly expanded across the city, the potential to enhance competitiveness lies not only in adding capacity, but also directly depends on developing green-standard hinterland warehousing infrastructure.

A notable example is Nam Dinh Vu Port, part of the Gemadept system, a key gateway where proactive investment in specialized berth infrastructure, with a load-bearing capacity of up to 8 tons per square meter and a 25-meter-wide access bridge, has enabled the successful handling of oversized and overweight cargo. This includes the handling of the DONGBANG GIANT NO.6 vessel, which loaded and unloaded modules weighing up to 482 tons for a sustainable biofuel refining project.

Investment in such specialized technical infrastructure not only ensures maximum safety, shortens cargo dwell time, and reduces energy consumption by transport vehicles, but also limits the need for road transportation along inner-city routes. This significantly cuts carbon emissions across the supply chain of large-scale projects throughout the city.

Integrated solutions

To achieve its goal of greening infrastructure while maintaining opportunities for deeper participation in FDI supply chains, Hai Phong is focusing on the coordinated implementation of strategic, long-term solutions.

First, the city is accelerating the completion of interregional transport infrastructure through key projects such as the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway, the expressway network, and ring roads. Improved connectivity and increased transport capacity are expected to facilitate the movement of goods, reduce congestion, and gradually cut emissions from logistics activities.

Relevant authorities are prioritizing the planning of an eco-friendly network of warehouses and inland container depots (ICDs) extending from Lach Huyen and Dinh Vu to hinterland areas. The city is developing a network of logistics centers and bonded warehouses in line with standardized green building standards such as LEED and LOTUS, while integrating modern automated warehouse management technologies. At the same time, Hai Phong is promoting multimodal connectivity by effectively combining inland waterway transport through dedicated routes with rail transport.

According to Mr. Le Quang Trung, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Shipping Lines (VIMC), despite the city’s relatively well-developed infrastructure, overall logistics costs remain high. To address this issue, the key lies in strengthening connectivity, digitalization and greening, promoting transparent data sharing among seaports, and improving the navigational channel depth to accommodate larger vessels.

To achieve the Net Zero target under Vietnam’s commitment at COP26, the transport business community is working together to research and pilot fully electric coastal vessels with a capacity of 550–600 TEUs. This could mark a breakthrough for environmentally friendly inland waterway logistics infrastructure across Hai Phong’s river and coastal transport network.

Green infrastructure is no longer an option but a key factor determining Hai Phong’s ability to capitalize on the global shift of FDI supply chains. With the strong support of the city authorities and the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, together with the management capacity of businesses and a comprehensive system of special and preferential policies, the port city will continue to be a trusted, safe and sustainable destination for international investment in the new era.

Thu Hang

Thu Han