1. Hai Phong Port: The Northern Gateway

Hai Phong Port, located in the northern part of Vietnam, is one of the largest and most important seaports in the country. With a rich history dating back to its construction by the French in the late 18th century, Hai Phong Port has undergone significant upgrades to become one of the most modern seaports in Southeast Asia.

Situated close to the Red River Delta, Hai Phong city serves as a strategic trade hub, providing excellent connectivity to major northern cities such as Hanoi and Can Tho. The port’s advanced navigation and networking facilities make it a preferred choice for international trade.

Hai Phong Port has a total wharf length of 3,567 meters and a capacity to handle 10 million metric tons of cargo annually. It consists of five branches, including the Hoang Dieu Port Branch, which handles nearly 60% of the port’s loading and unloading activities. The port can accommodate vessels ranging from 700 DWT at Bach Dang buoy to 40,000 DWT at Lan Ha transshipment area.

Currently, the Hai Phong Port is undergoing further expansion with the Dinh Vu Port investment project. This project aims to increase the port’s ship tonnage to 55,000 DWT, with future plans to accommodate vessels up to 100,000 DWT.

2. Da Nang Port: The Central Connection

Da Nang Port, situated in Central Vietnam, plays a crucial role in connecting the southern and northern regions of the country. As the largest city in the region and a major industrial hub, Da Nang serves as a vital trade center for both domestic and international markets.

The port consists of three berth areas: Tien Sa-Son Tra, Tho Quang, and Lien Chieu. With a maximum vessel capacity of 45,000 DWT, Da Nang Port serves as a medium-sized deep-water port, ideal for container ships, bulk carriers, and liquid carriers.

Da Nang Port’s strategic location in the South China Sea and its excellent connectivity through roadways, railways, and maritime routes make it a vital trading gateway for Central Vietnam. Its natural harbor and advanced telecommunication and navigation systems further enhance its efficiency as a major trade hub.

3. Saigon Port: The Gateway to the South

Saigon, located in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon Port), is the largest and most important seaport in southern Vietnam. With a rich history dating back to its establishment by the French in 1860, Saigon Port has evolved into a modern international port.

Covering a total surface area of 500,000 square meters, Saigon Port consists of five ports, including the Nha Rong Khanh Hoi, Tan Thuan, Tan Thuan 2, and Phu My Steel Port. The port has a total of 3,000 meters of piers, 30 buoy wharves, and 280,000 square meters of warehouse space.

As the main maritime gateway of Vietnam, Saigon Port aims to improve service standards and develop deep-water ports to become a significant player in the national maritime strategy. It serves as a crucial link between the Southeast region and the Mekong Delta, facilitating the movement of goods and fostering economic growth.

4. Vung Tau Port: The Hub of Oil and Gas Trading

Vung Tau Port, located in the southeast region of Vietnam, is a key player in the country’s oil and gas trading industry. As part of a port cluster with ten major ports, Vung Tau serves as a significant international gateway.

The port’s success in handling and loading services, especially for container ships, has been demonstrated by the successful reception of the Yang Ming Wellhead vessel with a capacity of 14,000 TEU at the Tan Cang – Cai Mep Thi Vai port. This achievement has positioned Vung Tau as a prominent player in the maritime trade sector.

Vung Tau Port is strategically located along the coastline of the South China Sea, making it an ideal trade point for both the West and the East. Its proximity to major trade centers and its excellent connectivity through roadways, railways, airways, and maritime routes contribute to its significance as a major trading hub.

5. Quang Ninh Port: The Gateway to the North

Quang Ninh Port, located in the northern part of Vietnam, is the second-largest seaport in the country. Situated in the exclusive economic zone of Northern Vietnam, Quang Ninh serves as a crucial trade gateway for the region.

The port’s strategic location in the vicinity of rich natural resources, including anthracite coal, limestone, clay, granite, and oil, contributes to its importance in the national economy. Quang Ninh province, where the port is located, produces nearly 90% of Vietnam’s anthracite coal.

With a total wharf length of 36 kilometers and a channel depth ranging from 10 to 20 meters, Quang Ninh Port has the capacity to handle a significant amount of cargo annually. The port is currently being developed to handle nearly 10 million metric tons of cargo, further enhancing its role as a major trade hub.

6. Cua Lo Port: A Growing Trade Hub

Cua Lo Port, located in the North Central region of Vietnam, is an important container port in the country’s port cluster. With a port length of 3,020 meters and the capacity to receive ships ranging from 30,000 DWT to 50,000 DWT, Cua Lo Port plays a vital role in meeting the import and export needs of the region.

The port is expected to undergo significant investments in the future, with plans to upgrade the running channel to accommodate 50,000-ton ships safely and conveniently. The development of Cua Lo Port aims to transform it into an international trade hub, attracting not only neighboring provinces but also parts of Laos and Northeast Thailand.

Vietnam’s major ports play a crucial role in the country’s economic growth and international trade. With their strategic locations, advanced infrastructure, and increasing investments, these ports have become key players in connecting Vietnam to the global market. As Vietnam continues to thrive as a major trading nation, the development and expansion of its port infrastructure will remain a priority, facilitating the country’s continued growth and prosperity.