Vietnam ports launch 1,200-metre shared berth

Cai Mep International Port (CMIT) and Tan Cang–Cai Mep Thi Vai Port (TCTT) have launched commercial operations at a shared 1,200-metre berth in Vietnam, enabling the adjacent terminals to accommodate three large container ships simultaneously.

The facility, located in the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-water port cluster in Ho Chi Minh City, is designed to improve the use of existing infrastructure and increase handling capacity without requiring separate berth expansion at each terminal.

The shared berth arrangement is expected to increase operating capacity at each port by approximately 30–40 per cent, equivalent to an additional 400,000–500,000 TEUs annually per terminal. Across the two facilities, the model could provide nearly 900,000 TEUs of additional annual capacity.

The launch, held on 9 October, marks the latest stage in cooperation between the two ports. In May 2024, CMIT and TCTT opened an internal connecting gate to develop and test the shared-terminal model.

Both facilities can handle large international containerships and have adjacent berths with aligned quay edges, similar elevations and a connecting rail system for crane access.

The arrangement allows the ports to coordinate infrastructure, resources and operational procedures across their previously separate berth areas.

The vessel AIN SNAN EXPRESS, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, was present during the launch. Following the ceremony, cranes from both terminals simultaneously handled import and export containers, marking the start of commercial operations under the shared-berth arrangement.

Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice-Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said: “We believe that the joint berth operation will bring practical benefits to port businesses, contributing to improving the operational efficiency and service capacity of the entire Cai Mep – Thi Vai port cluster.”

The shared-berth model is intended to improve the terminals’ ability to accommodate larger vessels, respond to shipping demand and increase capacity across the Cai Mep–Thi Vai port cluster.