On November 4th, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issued Document No. 5100/CHHVN-KHĐT, approving the location and technical specifications for upgrading Hai Phong's shipping channel.

The project focuses on the stretch from Nam Dinh Vu Port to the Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port area. A 3.7-kilometer section, spanning from Km31+200 to Km34+900, will be dredged to a depth of -8.5 meters to enhance navigability.  

In line with Document No. 10731/BGTVT-KHĐT from the Ministry of Transport, the Vietnam Maritime Administration has granted the Vietnam Container Corporation (Viconship) permission to undertake this dredging and upgrading project. This section serves two key ports - Nam Dinh Vu and Nam Hai Dinh Vu Vip Greenport - both under Viconship's management.  

The upgraded channel will feature varying widths:  

* 80 to 120 meters from Km31+200 to Km32+200 (1,000 meters),  

* 80 meters from Km32+200 to Km33+770 (1,570 meters),  

* 80 to 110 meters from Km33+770 to Km34+900 (1,130 meters).  

Approximately 350,000 cubic meters of sediment will be removed to meet design standards. This will result in safer ship navigation, increased cargo capacity, and reduced operational costs.  

Viconship has committed to adhering to the Vietnam Maritime Codes and related decrees governing dredging in sea and inland waterways. Detailed plans will be submitted to the Vietnam Maritime Administration and Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority to ensure environmental, construction, and legal compliance. After completion, the dredged channel section will be handed over to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for ongoing maintenance.  

The improved shipping channel will not only streamline transportation but also attract business from global shipping lines. This strategic enhancement will bolster Viconship's competitiveness and reduce logistical expenses.  

Viconship, the largest port enterprise in the Hai Phong cluster, handles 2.6 million TEUs annually, commanding 30% of the market share. As part of its restructuring efforts, Viconship has focused on core operations, divesting from non-core assets such as the Hyatt Place hotel project in Hai Phong and T.S Container Lines Hanoi Co., Ltd. Most notably, the company transferred its 22.05% stake in Dinh Vu Petroleum Services Port JSC to streamline its portfolio.  

Concurrently, Viconship has accelerated its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, signaling a strong focus on dominating the Northern transport and port market. In October 2024, Viconship acquired a 40.01% stake in Vinaship, becoming its second-largest shareholder. Earlier, in Q2 2024, the company achieved full ownership of Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port.  

Viconship’s holdings in the Hai Phong cluster now include:  

1. Green Port (100% ownership, 300,000 TEUs),  

2. VIP Green Port (74% ownership, 800,000 TEUs),  

3. Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port (100% ownership, 550,000 TEUs).  

The strategic acquisition of Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port has enabled Viconship to consolidate a 1,500-meter quay system, creating a unified port network. This integrated system reduces costs and enhances flexibility in receiving vessels, reinforcing Viconship's leadership in the region.  

PV