Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA) – In 2024, the port industry in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province marked a milestone with total goods throughput at its seaports surpassing 138.2 million tonnes, a 23% increase of the yearly plan, and container cargo volume reaching 10.8 million TEUs, up 34% from the previous year.

These impressive outcomes are attributed to a series of strategic measures implemented by the province, focusing on breakthroughs in port and logistics development aimed at sustainable growth.

Le Ngoc Linh, Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, highlighted that the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Ba Ria-Vung Tau expanded by 11.72% in 2024, the highest rate in the past decade. Thirty-six out of 37 socio-economic targets were achieved or exceeded, with the public investment disbursement rate of over 95.9%, the highest in the 2021–2024 period. These achievements were largely driven by the exceptional performance of the port industry.

To obtain these achievements, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has invested in infrastructure, enhanced transportation capacity, and optimised operational process. The province has leveraged its unique strengths to ensure sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a key hub in the international logistics network. Notably, the Vung Tau-Cai Mep navigation channel was dredged to a depth of minus 15.5m, meeting the operational requirements of major global shipping lines.

Cao Hong Phong, Deputy General Director of Gemalink international terminal, noted that the dredging project has enabled vessels to navigate the port more quickly and efficiently, reducing waiting time caused by tidal changes. This development benefits port operators, lowers costs for shipping lines, and enhances the terminal’s capacity to handle mega vessels, further boosting cargo throughput, he continued.

Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau provincial People's Committee, underscored that modern transportation infrastructure, standardised maritime channels, and reduced docking time are main factors in attracting shipping lines. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to developing synchronised and fully integrated infrastructure to facilitate port and marine economic growth in the coming years.

Strategic vision for sustainable growth

Under Vietnam's Seaport System Development Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050, Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s ports are classified as special ports and serve as the country’s largest gateway and transshipment system. In alignment with this plan, the province has dedicated resources to advancing its port system and logistics services, recognising logistics as one of its four key economic pillars.

By 2025, Ba Ria-Vung Tau aspires to become a national maritime economic center, a regional hub for maritime services in Southeast Asia, a world-class tourism destination, and a major logistics hub for the Southeastern region.

To achieve this vision, the province is enhancing transportation connectivity infrastructure, cultivating a high-quality workforce, and fostering international partnerships to attract investment, technology, and expertise.

ꦇ Colonel Bui Van Quy, Deputy General Director of Sai Gon Newport Corporation and President of the ASEAN Port Association, emphasised the intrinsic link between ports and logistics services. He praised Ba Ria-Vung Tau's focus on logistics development as a sound strategy based on its existing strengths but highlighted the need to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in logistics, including transportation and warehousing, to boost efficiency and reduce business costs./.