Ho Chi Minh City to Add 44 Ports in Five Years, Targeting VND 77 Trillion Investment by 2030

By 2030, Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), is set to develop between 41 to 44 port terminals, comprising 89 to 94 wharves stretching a combined length of 16.6 to 18.6 kilometers - excluding additional auxiliary piers.

According to the Ministry of Construction’s Decision No. 407/QĐ-BXD, a detailed port development plan for HCMC has been approved for the 2021–2030 period, with a long-term vision extending to 2050.

The city’s maritime infrastructure will include major port clusters such as Cat Lai - Phu Huu, Saigon River, Hiep Phuoc, Nha Be, Long Binh, the international transshipment hub in Can Gio, potential port locations in Can Gio district, and associated buoy stations, anchorage areas, and storm shelters.

By 2030, HCMC ports are projected to handle 228–253 million tons of cargo, including 11.41–12.8 million TEUs of containerized goods (excluding transshipment cargo). Passenger throughput is estimated at 170,600 to 184,400 annually.

The international transshipment port in Can Gio is positioned as a cornerstone of this vision. In the near term (by 2030), this port complex will comprise 2–4 terminals (1,016–2,016 meters in length) capable of accommodating ultra-large vessels up to 250,000 DWT, equivalent to 24,000 TEUs. Cargo handling capacity is expected to range from 22.8 to 57.6 million tons (2.4–4.8 million TEUs).

By 2050, Can Gio is slated to expand to 13 terminals, evolving into a premier regional container transshipment hub.

Investment Outlook and Strategic Infrastructure Projects

The total estimated investment demand for HCMC’s seaport system by 2030 is VND 77,452 billion (~USD 3 billion), with approximately VND 2,952 billion allocated for public maritime infrastructure and VND 74,500 billion for commercial port operations and logistics handling.

Key projects prioritized for development include:

• Deep-water access channels for ultra-large vessels at Can Gio,

• Public maritime safety infrastructure (e.g., anchorage, storm shelters),

• Port management systems,

• Passenger terminals, cruise ship berths, and tourism-linked marinas.

The plan also entails relocating existing Saigon River ports to accommodate HCMC’s urban expansion and spatial restructuring.

To optimize land and water use efficiency, the Ministry of Construction advocates for shared port facilities within economic and industrial zones. Importantly, new ports in the Can Gio hub must ensure that Vietnam’s import-export cargo does not exceed 20–25% of the hub’s total volume, maintaining its international transshipment identity.

To meet these development goals, a diverse capital mobilization strategy will be pursued, including public-private partnerships, land and water resource monetization, and leasing revenue from state-funded infrastructure.

Worldcraft Logistics Expert View

From a logistics standpoint, this ambitious port expansion solidifies HCMC’s role as a critical node in both regional and global supply chains. The development of Can Gio as a transshipment hub, in synergy with the Cai Mep - Thi Vai cluster, holds significant promise for shifting more maritime traffic to Vietnam. However, ensuring adequate hinterland connectivity, customs efficiency, and harmonized regulations will be essential to unlocking its full potential.

The emphasis on separating domestic and transshipment cargo streams is a strategic move that aligns with global best practices for specialized port development. As Vietnam aims to rise as a logistics powerhouse in Southeast Asia, this port master plan is a commendable leap forward.