The nearly US$5 billion Can Gio International Transshipment Port project is entering a critical phase, as authorities accelerate procedures to break ground in time for April 30. Notably, the world’s largest container shipping line has submitted documents to join the investor consortium.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has reported to the municipal People’s Committee on the progress of key seaport projects, as preparations intensify for groundbreaking ceremonies marking the national holiday.

At the center is the Can Gio mega port project, with a total investment of more than VND128,872 billion (US$5 billion).

Spanning an estimated 571 hectares, the port is designed to handle up to 21 million TEU annually. Its main berths, stretching about 7.5 kilometers, will be capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels exceeding 250,000 DWT, equivalent to more than 24,000 TEU. These specifications position the project as a potential cornerstone in transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a leading maritime logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

According to the Department of Construction, a consortium comprising Vietnam Maritime Corporation, Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A has officially submitted its application to implement the project.

Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A is a member of MSC, the Switzerland-based shipping giant that holds approximately 18% of global container shipping capacity and operates a network connecting over 500 seaports worldwide.

The consortium’s application is currently under detailed appraisal by the Department of Finance. To stay on schedule, the Department of Construction has urged the city government to direct relevant agencies to expedite the evaluation process and approve the investor selection results.

If all procedures are completed on time, the groundbreaking ceremony and announcement of strategic partners for the Can Gio mega port are expected to take place on April 30 at the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port area.

Beyond Can Gio, two other major projects in the Cai Mep Ha area are also being fast-tracked. The Cai Mep Gemadept - Terminal Link port project (phase 2), with an investment of more than VND8,300 billion (US$340 million), is scheduled to break ground on April 17.

Meanwhile, the Cai Mep Ha general and container port project (phase 1), with a total investment nearing VND15,000 billion (US$615 million), is working through land and environmental clearance issues to begin site preparation in time for the late-April holiday period.

Tuan Kiet