Cai Mep - Thi Vai Reaffirming Vietnam's Position on the Global Maritime Map

The MSC ALEXANDRA, with a full load capacity of 165,908tons and a length of 365.5m, docks at SSIT to load and unload nearly 12,000 TEU of cargo. 

Operating as a major international transshipment hub, Cai Mep - Thi Vai International Port plays a crucial role in streamlining Vietnam’s trade logistics, significantly cutting the time required for imports and exports with other countries. As one of Vietnam’s two designated special ports (alongside Hai Phong International Port), it serves as a vital gateway for the southern provinces, connecting them seamlessly to global maritime trade.

Located at the mouths of the Thi Vai and Cai Mep rivers, this deep-water port complex stretches over 14km in the Phu My Commune, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Officially operational since January 2011, Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port provides customers with international-standard container port services.

With a shipping channel depth of -14m, a berthing area depth of -16.8m, and a 500m turning basin, Cai Mep - Thi Vai International Port is fully equipped to support the movement of goods between Vietnam and international markets. This infrastructure is particularly suited for handling ultra-large vessels with capacities of up to 160,000 DWT (equivalent to 14,000 TEU), establishing it as a critical hub for global maritime transport.

The COSCO SHIPPING ROSE arrived at Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port on October 24, 2023.

Cai Mep - Thi Vai International Port features a state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, including three berths totaling 890m, three barge terminals of 270m, and a 55ha container yard with a capacity of nearly 51,500 TEU. The port is equipped with ten STS cranes, 22 yard cranes, three specialized barge cranes, 76 tractors, five forklifts, and five empty container handlers. This advanced setup enables Cai Mep - Thi Vai to service the world's most modern vessels, significantly reducing transport times for goods between southern Vietnam and international markets, and removing the previous need for transshipment in Singapore.

Recognizing the vast potential of the seaport, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province and the Ministry of Transport have aligned their objectives to invest in and elevate this port system into a national-level international transshipment hub. The regional development strategy aims to establish the port and logistics sector as a primary economic driver, contributing to economic growth while ensuring maritime security and defense.

Notably, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port complex, with its capacity to offer direct container services to Europe and the Americas, has significantly enhanced Vietnam's competitive position in the global supply chain.

In the near future, the implementation of major transportation infrastructure projects in neighboring localities such as the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway, Dau Giay - Phan Thiet expressway, Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway, and Long Thanh International Airport will further boost the cargo handling capabilities of Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port. These developments position the port as an efficient and internationally recognized transshipment hub, solidifying Vietnam’s standing on the global maritime map.

The giant container ship M/V OOCL, with a capacity of 24,188 TEU, from OOCL, on its maiden voyage connecting Asia and Europe.