Hai Phong Maritime Channel Upgrade Completed, Ready to Welcome Large Ships
Upgrading the Hai Phong shipping channel. The Hai Phong maritime channel upgrade project has been officially completed and put into operation. This marks a significant step in enhancing the capacity to receive large-tonnage ships in the northern port area. With a channel depth of -8.5m, cargo ships can now enter and exit easily without being heavily dependent on tides. This contributes to reducing logistics costs and increasing port operational efficiency.
Hai Phong Shipping Channel Reaches -8.5m Depth After Upgrade
According to the Hai Phong Maritime Administration, the entire shipping channel from the turning basin at Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HICT) to the upstream section of Dinh Vu Port has completed its upgrade and now meets the designed depth of -8.5 meters.
Specifically, the section from the upstream area of Nam Dinh Vu Port to Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port features a channel bottom width ranging from 80 to 120 meters, including widened sections at bends. The channel has been confirmed to achieve the designed depth of -8.5 meters under the current maritime navigation system.
Meanwhile, the 5.85-kilometer section extending from Nam Hai Dinh Vu Port to the upstream area of Dinh Vu Port has also reached the same -8.5-meter depth, providing safer and more efficient navigation for vessels.
Expanded Turning Basin Increases Capacity for Larger Vessels
One of the project’s key highlights is the expansion of the turning basin from 310 meters to 320 meters in diameter.
According to shipping lines and port operators, the previous design did not fully meet safety requirements for vessels up to 250 meters in length. The expanded turning basin provides greater maneuvering space during turning operations while maximizing the use of the existing navigation infrastructure.
The Ministry of Construction approved the revised design to enhance operational capacity and ensure safe access for vessels of up to 55,000 deadweight tons (DWT) under reduced-load conditions.
Reduced Tidal Dependency, Improved Port Efficiency
The completion of the Hai Phong shipping channel upgrade brings significant benefits to shipping companies and port operators. Upgrading the Hai Phong shipping channel. With the channel now reaching the required depth, cargo vessels no longer need to wait for favorable tidal conditions before entering or leaving the port. This improvement helps:
- Reduce vessel turnaround time.
- Increase berth utilization efficiency.
- Lower operating and logistics costs.
- Enhance the competitiveness of Hai Phong’s port system.
- Attract more services operated by larger vessels.
The upgraded channel also strengthens import and export connectivity between northern Vietnam and international markets.
Project Funded Through Private Investment
Unlike many transport infrastructure projects, the dredging and upgrading of the two shipping channel sections were carried out entirely using private-sector investment. This socialized investment model mobilizes private capital for the development of maritime infrastructure, reduces pressure on the state budget, and accelerates project implementation. The project aligns with Vietnam’s strategy of developing a modern seaport system through public-private partnerships (PPP) and broader private-sector participation.
Cargo Throughput at Hai Phong Ports Continues to Grow
Alongside the completion of the channel upgrade, cargo handling activities across Hai Phong’s port system continue to show strong growth.
According to statistics from the Hai Phong Maritime Administration, during the first five months of 2026:
- Total cargo throughput exceeded 50 million tons, up 8% year-on-year.
- Container throughput reached more than 36.9 million TEUs, an increase of 8%.
- Total vessel movements reached 17,162, up 5%.
- Of these, 7,493 were seagoing vessels, representing a 2% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
These figures demonstrate the continued growth in demand for port operations in Hai Phong, highlighting the need for further synchronized and modern maritime infrastructure development.
Hai Phong Strengthens Its Position as Northern Vietnam’s Maritime Gateway
The completion of the Hai Phong shipping channel upgrade not only enables the port system to accommodate larger vessels but also significantly enhances the competitiveness of northern Vietnam’s seaport network.
As import and export cargo volumes continue to increase, the project provides a solid foundation for Hai Phong to reinforce its role as an international maritime gateway, a leading logistics hub, and a major cargo transshipment center for northern Vietnam in the years ahead.
