VIMC: Strategic vision and ambition to reach out to world

Port of Hai Phong

Dredging activities a bottleneck

The continuous increase in the size of ships and cargo volume has placed significant pressure on Vietnam’s maritime infrastructure. The volume of cargo transported via Vietnamese seaports has reached 30 million TEUs, far exceeding projections made 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Singapore, the largest transshipment port in the region, is handling around 37 million TEUs, meaning the gap between the two regions is no longer significant. VIMC leadership believes Vietnam has the potential to surpass Singapore in the near future.

However, the biggest challenge at present lies in the dredging of navigation channels. According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, dredging projects should be implemented promptly to meet the requirements of large vessels. However, the budget allocated for this activity remains limited.

To address these bottlenecks, VIMC has concentrated its largest resources on strategic deep-water port projects. A prime example is the Can Gio International Transshipment Port project, which is expected to become a new symbol of Vietnam’s maritime industry. With its strategic location, Can Gio Port not only shortens transportation time and significantly reduces logistics costs for domestic goods, but also opens up vast opportunities for Vietnam to engage more deeply in the global supply chain. VIMC General Director Nguyen Canh Tinh shared, “We expect the Prime Minister will soon approve this project and urge Ho Chi Minh City to complete necessary procedures for selecting investors. This will be a critical step in elevating Vietnam’s maritime industry to compete on equal footing with major global seaports.”

When operational, Can Gio Port, together with the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster, will form a port complex that enhances the competitiveness of Vietnam’s maritime industry and reshapes the current and future Intra-Asia shipping map. Furthermore, this port cluster will reduce Vietnam’s reliance on transshipment through Singapore, establish direct international shipping routes from Vietnam, and significantly increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the global market.

When operational, Can Gio Port, together with the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster, will form a port complex that enhances the competitiveness of Vietnam’s maritime industry

Fleet development and international cooperation strategies

Along with upgrading seaport infrastructure, VIMC aims to rapidly develop the national shipping fleet through cooperation with the world’s largest shipping lines. This not only helps VIMC leverage the existing customer base and markets of its partners, but also expands its transportation network swiftly and enhances its competitiveness.

Nguyen Canh Tinh emphasized, “We aim to develop a robust fleet, not only to meet domestic cargo transportation demands, but also to serve international routes. This is a critical step in enabling Vietnamese goods to reach global markets directly without transshipment through other countries.”

In 2024, VIMC achieved significant results. Specifically, the volume of cargo transported via ports reached 145 million tonnes, up 27 percent compared to 2023, and sea freight volume reached 20 million tonnes, exceeding the target by 22 percent. These achievements lay the foundation for VIMC to implement more ambitious plans in the future.

The volume of cargo transported via Vietnamese seaports has reached 30 million TEUs

Aspiration to elevate Vietnam’s maritime industry

Beyond economic goals, VIMC’s strategies also aim to contribute to Vietnam’s overall development. Deep-water port projects not only create jobs, but also stimulate the growth of supporting industries, thereby improving the quality of life for the population. With a strategic vision and strong determination, VIMC is writing the development story of Vietnam’s maritime industry, turning aspirations into reality and solidifying the country’s position on the global maritime map.

“To realize this strategy, we need strong support from the Government and relevant ministries. Policies that encourage the development of large enterprises, such as decentralizing authority to representatives of the capital owners and granting decision-making power to businesses, are essential for Vietnamese corporations to expand globally. We believe the support of the Government and relevant ministries will help VIMC achieve its business goals and contribute to enhancing Vietnam’s position in the global value chain,” shared Nguyen Canh Tinh./.