Haiphong Container Terminal Opens for Business

The new Haiphong International Container Terminal (HICT), the first terminal in Northern Vietnam with a capability to handle 14,000 TEU ships, was opened on May 13 at Lach Huyen Port.

The terminal is operated by a joint venture company Haiphong International Container Terminal Co, owned by Japanese  Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (17.5 pct ), Vietnam-based Saigon Newport Company (51 pct), Wan Hai Lines from Taiwan (16.5 pct) and ITOCHU Corporation (15 pct).

The opening of the terminal marks the opening of Lach Huyen Port itself. The Lach Huyen Port construction project is the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the government of Japan and Vietnam.

“With the newly opened terminal, MOL group has further expanded its presence in Northern Vietnam, which is expected to show significant development and growth in the future,” MOL said.

The terminal has two berths of 16 meters depth and its maximum annual trade volume stands at about 1.1. million TEU.

The company added that the terminal will offer shorter transit times and lower transport costs, while contributing to economic growth in Northern Vietnam, since large-size container vessels, which offer direct links to Asia and North America/Europe, can call at the port.

MOL also plans to support HITC via its tugboat business at Lach Huyen Port by providing services to the large containerships.

The MOL Group opened Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (MOL’s contribution: 21.33%) at Cai Mep Port in Southern Vietnam in 2011.