Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) Welcomes the Maiden call of Direct Service Connecting Vietnam and South America
29/10/2025
On October 29, 2025, Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) successfully welcomed M/V MOL EXPERIENCE, the maiden call of the SX2/FL2 service, jointly operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) and HMM, with a capacity of approximately 63,000 DWT. This marks the first-ever direct shipping service connecting Vietnam and South America within the Saigon Newport Corporation's port and logistics ecosystem — a milestone in TCIT’s journey of expanding its international service network and reinforcing SNP’s global connectivity.
M/V MOL EXPERIENCE – the maiden call of SX2/FL2 service
As Vietnam continues its deep integration into the global economy, South America emerges as a high-potential market with complementary trade relations.
Vietnam exports electronics, textiles, processed foods, and technology products. South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay supply grains, meat, fruits, wine, and energy solutions.
Due to long transit distances and traditionally high logistics costs, this trade lane has been underdeveloped. The SX2/FL2 service, with direct calls at Brazil’s major ports — Rio Grande, Itapoá, and Santos — now offers shorter transit times (approximately 30 days from Santos to Cai Mep) and lower logistics costs, unlocking new trade opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to Brazil, Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Latin America and one of its Top 3 markets in the Americas.
Representatives from SNP and TCIT presented flowers and commemorative gifts to the captain and crew of the MOL EXPERIENCE to mark this significant occasion.
With the introduction of the SX2/FL2 service, TCIT now handles 12 regular international services per week, further expanding its global reach and enhancing direct connectivity to the Americas and Europe.
Beyond opening the Vietnam–South America trade corridor, this service also strengthens regional logistics integration, particularly through Singapore, Southeast Asia’s premier transshipment hub, facilitating seamless cargo flow between countries in the region and beyond.
The SX2/FL2 service route includes the following ports: Cai Mep (TCIT) – Busan – Hong Kong – Rio Grande – Itapoá – Santos – Singapore.
The selection of TCIT by ONE and HMM as the terminal of choice for this strategic route reaffirms TCIT’s operational excellence, service quality, and reputation as one of Vietnam’s leading deep-water gateways. It also underscores TCIT’s role as a key transshipment hub in Southern Vietnam, connecting domestic and international trade seamlessly within the global logistics network.
