TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth Now In Commercial Operation - Adds Capacity for Nearly 900,000 TEU Annually

The launch marks the outcome of more than two years of collaboration, beginning with the opening of the internal connecting gate and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 24 May 2024. It also reflects a shift from independent terminal operations towards coordinated use of infrastructure between adjacent terminals, gradually bringing the joint berth model from concept into operation.

The TCTT–CMIT Joint Berth launch ceremony was attended by Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, together with representatives of government departments and agencies, shipping lines and customers.

From Infrastructure Connection to Resource Integration

Amid the steady growth of global container vessel sizes and increasingly stringent port turnaround requirements in international supply chains, expanding berth capacity has become imperative. Rather than investing in entirely new berth infrastructure, the TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth was established to optimize existing assets and enhance operational flexibility.

As two major deep-water container terminals in the Cai Mep – Thi Vai gateway, TCTT and CMIT possess extensive capacity to handle major international liner services. The adjacent facilities feature aligned quay lines, matching deck elevations, and inter-connectable ship-to-shore (STS) crane rail systems.

The TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth officially enters commercial operation.

By interconnecting 1,200 meters of continuous berth, the two terminals can now accommodate three ultra-large mother vessels simultaneously, compared to a maximum of two under standalone operations.

The Joint Berth model is projected to increase handling capacity by 30–40%, adding approximately 400,000 to 500,000 TEUs per year for each terminal and unlocking nearly 900,000 TEUs in annual growth capacity for the combined facility network.

Mr. Vu Hong Hung, Director of Tan Cang – Cai Mep Thi Vai Terminal (TCTT), delivers the official opening address for the Joint Berth operations.

This seamless berth integration enables enhanced cooperation in vessel berth planning, equipment allocation, and workforce deployment—particularly during schedule disruptions. Furthermore, it strengthens capability to service mega-container ships, better addressing the demands of global ocean carriers.

Elevating Port Capacity in the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Complex

During the ceremony, Hapag-Lloyd’s vessel AIN SNAN EXPRESS was handled directly at the TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth, marking the official commencement of commercial operations under the new model.

Hapag-Lloyd’s vessel AIN SNAN EXPRESS handled at the TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth during the inauguration event.

The implementation of the Joint Berth model was made possible through strong consensus between Saigon Newport Corporation leadership and CMIT’s board and shareholders—including Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), Saigon Port JSC, and APM Terminals. The project also received guidance and facilitation from government authorities and local government agencies, successfully transitioning the joint berthing scheme into active operations.

Major General Ngo Minh Thuan, President and Chairman of Saigon Newport Corporation, speaking at the event.

Mr. Le Quang Trung, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) and representative of CMIT shareholders

From a strategic management perspective, TCTT’s pioneering role (under Saigon Newport Corporation) highlights a shift from market-share competition toward resource optimization and infrastructure sharing. Within port ecosystems, collaborative synergy can generate greater collective value than isolated optimization.
The TCTT - CMIT Joint Berth extends beyond physical connectivity to integrate infrastructure, operational resources, and management methodologies between two terminal operators. The initiative aims to maximize asset efficiency, enhance service reliability, and adapt to the evolving demands of ocean carriers and cargo owners.
 

Ms. Bernadette Chan, General Director of CMIT, delivers closing remarks.

Entering commercial operation, TCTT - CMIT will continue to prioritize maritime safety, occupational safety, and service excellence, while advancing joint dispatching, technology integration, and operational optimization. Both operators expect the Joint Berth to strengthen the competitiveness of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-water port cluster and contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s maritime logistics sector.

TCTT – CMIT: Intergrating Resources. Connecting Infrastructure. Enhancing Port Handling Capacity at Cai Mep–Thi Vai.