Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) Partners with MSC in Global Shipping Connectivity Strategy
21/02/2025

On February 16, 2025, Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) in Vietnam proudly marked a historic milestone by welcoming the maiden call of the PEARL service, independently operated by MSC, the world's largest shipping line. This momentous event follows just a week after TCIT successfully welcomed the ZSL/PELICAN service jointly operated by ZIM and MSC. This milestone further solidifies TCIT’s role in global trade connectivity within MSC’s international shipping network.
TCIT – A Strategic Hub in MSC’s Global Shipping Network
Currently, MSC operates 9 direct services connecting Vietnam to key global markets, with TCIT now facilitating two of these essential services.
The ZSL/PELICAN service creates an ideal shipping corridor from Vietnam to the U.S. Gulf Coast, significantly reducing transshipment times and accelerating delivery speeds.
Meanwhile, the PEARL service, which connects TCIT (Vietnam) – Hai Phong (Vietnam) – Nansha – Hong Kong – Yantian – Xiamen – Long Beach – Oakland, serves as an essential bridge linking Vietnam to the U.S. West Coast, significantly enhancing market access for local exporters. This landmark development not only strengthens TCIT’s direct connectivity to global trade hubs but also aligns perfectly with MSC’s direct connection strategy (direct port calls), which features up to 1,900 connections without intermediary transshipment.


TCIT – A Strategic Hub in MSC’s Global Shipping Network
The maiden call of PEARL service (M/V GREENVILLE) to call at TCIT, carries an impressive deadweight of 74,000 tons, LOA 272 meters, and a capacity of 8,010 TEUs. As part of a remarkable fleet of eight mother vessels deployed by MSC, each vessel carries between 8,000 to 12,000 TEUs.
The PEARL service has the potential to drive trade between Vietnam and the United States, offering significant benefits to customers while enhancing operational efficiencies for TCIT and its partners.
Additionally, TCIT stands out as more than just a gateway for international shipping routes; it is intensely connected to ICDs and logistics hubs across Vietnam’s key economic regions, including Tan Cang - Long Binh ICD, Tan Cang - Song Than ICD, and Tan Cang - Nhon Trach ICD. This strong hinterland connectivity streamlines cargo flows, minimizes warehousing time, and amplifies flexibility within the supply chain.

Driving Economic Growth and Global Trade Opportunities
Joining MSC’s global shipping network has unlocked new opportunities for TCIT to expand commercial partnerships with leading global carriers. This collaboration benefits individual businesses and strengthens Vietnam’s position in the global supply chain. By reducing transit times and logistics costs, Vietnamese exports gain a competitive edge, particularly in key markets like North America.
Furthermore, as global trade dynamics evolve rapidly alongside the growing demand for sustainable supply chain solutions, MSC’s ongoing expansion at TCIT presents a promising outlook. This powerful partnership reinforces TCIT’s regional prominence while contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s maritime and logistics industry.
Currently, TCIT operates 10 international services per week, building direct connections between Vietnam and major markets, including North America, Europe, and intra-Asia. Beyond its established role as a deep-water container terminal and international transshipment hub, TCIT remains dedicated to enhancing its logistics and hinterland connectivity solutions. With planned investments in new depots and ICDs in the Cai Mep area and surrounding regions, TCIT is set to elevate its integrated logistics offerings, providing comprehensive, high-value-added services to meet the evolving demands of shipping lines and customers.


Currently, MSC operates 9 direct services connecting Vietnam to key global markets, with TCIT now facilitating two of these essential services.
The ZSL/PELICAN service creates an ideal shipping corridor from Vietnam to the U.S. Gulf Coast, significantly reducing transshipment times and accelerating delivery speeds.
Meanwhile, the PEARL service, which connects TCIT (Vietnam) – Hai Phong (Vietnam) – Nansha – Hong Kong – Yantian – Xiamen – Long Beach – Oakland, serves as an essential bridge linking Vietnam to the U.S. West Coast, significantly enhancing market access for local exporters. This landmark development not only strengthens TCIT’s direct connectivity to global trade hubs but also aligns perfectly with MSC’s direct connection strategy (direct port calls), which features up to 1,900 connections without intermediary transshipment.


TCIT – A Strategic Hub in MSC’s Global Shipping Network
The maiden call of PEARL service (M/V GREENVILLE) to call at TCIT, carries an impressive deadweight of 74,000 tons, LOA 272 meters, and a capacity of 8,010 TEUs. As part of a remarkable fleet of eight mother vessels deployed by MSC, each vessel carries between 8,000 to 12,000 TEUs.
The PEARL service has the potential to drive trade between Vietnam and the United States, offering significant benefits to customers while enhancing operational efficiencies for TCIT and its partners.
Additionally, TCIT stands out as more than just a gateway for international shipping routes; it is intensely connected to ICDs and logistics hubs across Vietnam’s key economic regions, including Tan Cang - Long Binh ICD, Tan Cang - Song Than ICD, and Tan Cang - Nhon Trach ICD. This strong hinterland connectivity streamlines cargo flows, minimizes warehousing time, and amplifies flexibility within the supply chain.

Driving Economic Growth and Global Trade Opportunities
Joining MSC’s global shipping network has unlocked new opportunities for TCIT to expand commercial partnerships with leading global carriers. This collaboration benefits individual businesses and strengthens Vietnam’s position in the global supply chain. By reducing transit times and logistics costs, Vietnamese exports gain a competitive edge, particularly in key markets like North America.
Furthermore, as global trade dynamics evolve rapidly alongside the growing demand for sustainable supply chain solutions, MSC’s ongoing expansion at TCIT presents a promising outlook. This powerful partnership reinforces TCIT’s regional prominence while contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s maritime and logistics industry.
Currently, TCIT operates 10 international services per week, building direct connections between Vietnam and major markets, including North America, Europe, and intra-Asia. Beyond its established role as a deep-water container terminal and international transshipment hub, TCIT remains dedicated to enhancing its logistics and hinterland connectivity solutions. With planned investments in new depots and ICDs in the Cai Mep area and surrounding regions, TCIT is set to elevate its integrated logistics offerings, providing comprehensive, high-value-added services to meet the evolving demands of shipping lines and customers.

