The cargo vessel Spring Hummer of Belize docked at the Vinh Tan international sea port. — Photo nhandan.com.vn

The Vinh Tan international seaport in the south central province of Binh Thuan received the cargo vessel Spring Hummer of Belize, which was the first foreign ship to dock at the port, on Wednesday.

The Belize vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of more than 9,000 tonnes, carried machinery for the expansion of the Vinh Tan 4 thermal power plant.

It is a new development in export-import activities via sea route of the Vinh Tan port one month after receiving a certificate recognising it as a location for shipping inspection and monitoring.

Covering 140ha, the port was built at a cost of around VND2.3 trillion (US$98.7 million). It was developed by the Vinh Tan International Port Co, a member of the Pacific Corporation.

The port has a 3,000DWT wharf and two 50,000DWT wharves, and will have a 70,000DWT wharf in the near future.

Binh Thuan is one of the top localities with advantages for developing the energy industry and seaports. According to experts, the establishment of Vinh Tan port not only contributes to promoting development resources, but also improves the south central and Central Highlands economies.

Addressing the port's inauguration ceremony in April, Nguyen Ngoc Hai, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said the port can be easily connected with industrial zones in Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan and the Central Highlands, helping reduce transport costs and spur marine economy growth. — VNS