HẢI PHÒNG — Việt Nam’s most advanced deep-water port, Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT), on Thursday officially welcomed its first container ship, marking a milestone in the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The ESL Dubai, a massive vessel spanning 216 metres and boasting a capacity of 319,000 DWT, docked at the port, signalling the beginning of HHIT’s operations. This marks the first time a deep-water port in the Northern region of Việt Nam can accommodate two large container ships simultaneously, each with a capacity of up to 200,000 DWT.

Located at the Lạch Huyện International Gateway Port in the northern port city of Hải Phòng, HHIT is the result of a major investment project by Hateco Group Joint Stock Company. The port features state-of-the-art technology, including automatic entrance and exit gates, semi-automatic wharfs and an intelligent port system designed to accommodate the world’s largest vessels. It is equipped with the ability to handle direct shipments from distant regions, including the West and East coasts of the US.

With cutting-edge operational systems in place, HHIT utilises STS cranes with a reach of 24 containers, an e-RTG crane system, and the NAVIS N4 port operation system. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and RFID technology are integrated into the comprehensive automatic gate system, optimising productivity and enhancing operational accuracy. The port also boasts a 5G network and round-the-clock surveillance to ensure security.

Among the key highlights, the installation of the largest STS crane in Việt Nam at berths five and six stands out, further solidifying HHIT’s role as a central hub for large-scale cargo operations.

According to the Việt Nam Maritime Administration, in 2024, the volume of goods passing through the country’s seaport system is expected to reach 864.4 million tonnes, representing a 14 per cent increase from the previous year.

Container cargo is estimated to surpass 29.9 million TEUs, a rise of 21 per cent.

Currently, Hải Phòng’s seaport system is the largest in northern Việt Nam and the second largest in the country, with a wharf length of 11.53 km and more than 40 ports.

Hải Phòng Port was ranked 33rd in the 2021 World Shipping Council’s list of the 50 busiest container ports, handling a cargo throughput of 5.7 million TEUs that year. With its prime location and modern infrastructure, Hateco Hải Phòng Port is poised to play a pivotal role in Việt Nam’s maritime future.

Strategically situated in the Lạch Huyện area, the port spans a total area of 73 ha, with a 900-metre-long wharf and a depth ranging from -16.8m to -18.4m, making it capable of simultaneously hosting two large container ships, each up to 200,000 DWT (≥ 18,000 TEUs) in size, with lengths reaching up to 400 metres. This development positions Hateco Hải Phòng Port as a critical gateway connecting Việt Nam to international shipping routes. — VNS