The container port operated by First Logistics Development JV, a major port located along the Saigon River, is not included on the list of ports to be removed by the Ministry of Transport released recently.

According to Decision No.3655/QD-BGTVT dated December 27, 2017, the container port operated by First Logistics Development JV (VICT) was accepted to continue operation, however, it will not be authorised to effect any improvements or expansion. Any motion to have this port removed might only be raised after 2020 and the port will stop operation when its land leasing license expires in 2034.

To facilitate urbanisation, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) listed a total of 10 ports located along the Saigon River to be either removed, have their functions changed or kept unchanged till their licences expired.

These include Ba Son Shipping Factory which was removed, while the vegetable port will have its function changed. A part of Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi port will be transformed into an internal passenger port and a centre for maritime services.

Tan Thuan Port, currently located in District 7, will be moved to Hiep Phuoc in Nha Be district in order to provide land area to build the fourth Thu Thiem Bridge.

The rest, including Bien Dong, Ben Nghe, Bong Sen, VICT, and others, will be kept unchanged until their licenses expire.

Decision No.3655/QD-BGTVT dated December 27, 2017 stipulated the detailed zoning plan for the group of ports in the southeastern provinces (Group 5) to 2020 and towards 2030.

It covers ports located along Saigon River, Dong Nai River, Nha Be River, and Soai Rap River, in the provinces of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Long An.

VIR