Can Gio international container transshipment terminal: Do it now or never

By tuoitre.vn - 12/05/2023

Facing the golden opportunity, experts suggested that the international transshipment port of Can Gio (Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City) should be built as soon as possible, do not lose the opportunity.

On the afternoon of May 12, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organized a seminar on the "Proposal to Study and Build the Cần Giờ International Transshipment Port".

A golden opportunity to build a world-class transshipment port

Economic expert Trần Du Lịch said the Cần Giờ international transshipment port will be a breakthrough development not only for Ho Chi Minh City but also for the Southeast region.

The port will be an international gateway for trade, leveraging maritime transport advantages from Asia to Europe and America.

This is a great opportunity that the city must act on quickly to avoid missing out.

Agreeing with this view, Mr. Trần Thanh Hải - Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) - also recognized that the Cần Giờ port holds regional and even national significance. Therefore, it requires the involvement of ministries and localities to coordinate and create regional economic linkages.

Additionally, he noted that the research process must focus on transportation infrastructure, port infrastructure, and streamlined procedures to match its potential. The city can study and learn from green, automated, and smart ports in countries like China and Singapore.

From the perspective of geographical location and natural conditions, Mr. Lê Duy Hiệp - Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Service Enterprise Association - said the Cần Giờ port is suitable for a regional and international transshipment port model.

However, to truly become an international transshipment port like Singapore, both hard and soft infrastructure are needed. This includes modern equipment systems that meet international standards. At the same time, administrative procedures and policies related to state management need attention.

The transshipment port with an estimated investment of 5.4 billion USD

Presenting specific details about the Cần Giờ international transshipment port, Mr. Phạm Anh Tuấn, General Director of Portcoast, said the port has a total riverfront length of 7.2km, capable of accommodating the world's largest container ships (24,000 TEUs). The total investment is estimated to be nearly 5.4 billion USD. The project is divided into seven phases, expected to be completed by 2045 (phase 1 will be completed by 2027).

In terms of technology, Mr. Tuấn said the Cần Giờ international transshipment port will use green port technology and electricity. The investor has also committed to bringing the most modern technology to Cần Giờ.

Regarding the environment, the project site on Phú Lợi Island is completely uninhabited and isolated from the mainland. It is adjacent to the Cái Mép - Thị Vải channel, which is already familiar with maritime activities.

The transportation connection for the Cần Giờ international transshipment port will be by waterway until 2030. After 2030, there will be a road connection via an elevated road to minimize the impact on the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve.

"The Cần Giờ international transshipment port project is facing many favorable conditions, with support from both central and local governments and the investor, a major global shipping company. Those in the maritime industry understand that building the port is now or never," Mr. Tuấn shared.

Concluding the seminar, Ho Chi Minh City Vice Chairman Bùi Xuân Cường said the feedback from the seminar highlights the potential and need for exploiting deep-water ports and international ports in the city.

This provides a basis for proposing adjustments to the national seaport planning and seaport group No. 4. At the same time, it will be included in the district planning until 2040 for future planning proposals.

City leaders also requested the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and other units to complete the proposal in May 2023. This must emphasize practical research and ensure the coordinated development of seaports while protecting the environment.

DUC PHU