Vietnam’s strategic location in Southeast Asia has positioned it as a crucial maritime hub, making effective seaport planning essential for sustainable economic growth. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of seaport planning in Vietnam, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the maritime sector.

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of Vietnam’s Seaport Sector

According to Saigon Giai Phong newspaper, the Vietnam Maritime Administration reports that Vietnam’s seaport system currently has 286 ports, categorized into five port groups, with a total berth length exceeding 96 km. These ports accommodate a throughput of over 706 million tons, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development. The sector has witnessed significant growth, handling increasing cargo volumes year over year and supporting Vietnam’s export-driven economy.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration projects that by 2030, Vietnam’s seaport system will handle 1,140–1,423 million tons of cargo (including 38–47 million TEUs of containerized cargo) and 10.1–10.3 million passengers. By 2050, Vietnam aims to comprehensively develop and modernize its seaport system to meet regional and global standards.

1.2 Importance of Strategic Planning

Also, according to Saigon Giai Phong, to achieve this goal, the investment demand for the seaport system by 2030 is approximately VND 313 trillion (covering only commercial cargo handling terminals), primarily mobilized from non-budgetary sources, corporate investments, and other legitimate funding channels. Public funds will be focused on public maritime infrastructure, key areas that create ripple effects, and investment attraction.

Additionally, policymakers strategically plan seaports to ensure sustainable development, optimize resource allocation, and maintain competitiveness in the global maritime industry. Well-planned ports contribute to reduced logistics costs, improved trade efficiency, and enhanced regional connectivity.

1.3 Current State of Port Development

According to the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, the maritime industry is a highly specialized sector with significant international integration. Over the years, maritime infrastructure, particularly port infrastructure, has played a vital role in supporting national economic growth and fostering international trade and integration. With improving port service quality and increasing demand for maritime transport in Vietnam, major shipping lines have established direct routes connecting Vietnam with other global destinations.

Vietnam’s Lach Huyen Port has received vessels up to 132,000 DWT, while Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port has handled ships up to 214,000 DWT, equivalent to over 18,000 TEUs. From Cai Mep-Thi Vai, nearly 40 weekly shipping routes operate, including 18 to Europe and the Americas and 10 intra-Asia services, gradually positioning Vietnam as a key link in the global maritime supply chain.

While seaport development has contributed significantly to socio-economic growth, pollution mitigation measures remain limited. The transition to “green port” operations, balancing environmental concerns with economic development needs, is essential. Vietnamese ports are undergoing rapid modernization, with several major developments in progress. The government’s master plan emphasizes the development of deep-water ports and specialized facilities to accommodate larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes.

2. Legal Framework for Seaport Planning

2.1 Key Regulations and Laws

The legal framework for seaport planning in Vietnam is governed by several key instruments:

• Vietnam Maritime Code (2015 and its amendments)
• National Seaport Master Plan for 2021–2030, Vision to 2050
• Decree No. 58/2017/ND-CP, detailing several provisions of the Vietnam Maritime Code regarding maritime activities management
• Circular No. 08/2021/TT-BGTVT, issuing national technical regulations on seaports

2.2 Government Agencies Involved

Vietnam’s legal framework clearly defines the authority of state agencies in maritime management, including:

• The Government: Overall state management of maritime affairs
• Ministry of Transport: Responsible for implementing state management of maritime affairs
• Vietnam Maritime Administration: A specialized agency under the Ministry of Transport, executing state management in maritime affairs as prescribed by law
• Other Ministries and Agencies: Collaborate with the Ministry of Transport within their respective competencies to implement state management of maritime affairs
• Local People’s Committees: Implement state management of maritime affairs within their jurisdictions

In addition to the Vietnam Maritime Code, Decree No. 58/2017/ND-CP details specific state management agencies at seaports (Article 3, Clause 5):

• Maritime Administration
• Customs Authority
• Border Guard (Seaport Border Control)
• Health Quarantine, Animal Quarantine, and Plant Quarantine

3. Strategic Planning Components

3.1 Master Plan for Seaport System Development (Articles 81 & 82, Vietnam Maritime Code)

• The national seaport master plan must comply with planning regulations and be based on defense, security, demand, resources, and global maritime development trends.
• When formulating seaport-related plans, ministries, agencies, and provincial authorities must seek written opinions from the Ministry of Transport.

3.2 Strategic Planning Components (Decision No. 886/QD-TTg)

1. Seaport Infrastructure Development:

• Planning and Adjustments: Formulate and adjust the National Seaport System Development Master Plan (2021–2030, vision to 2050) to align with national master planning.
• Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize budget allocation for central public investment projects (2026–2030) to develop port infrastructure and attract private investment for planned projects.
• Land and Water Use: By 2030, total land demand is projected at 33,600 ha, with 606,000 ha of water area.

2. Legal Framework Enhancement:

• Legislative Amendments: Review and propose amendments to the Vietnam Maritime Code (2015) and related decrees and circulars to facilitate effective seaport infrastructure development and management.
• Pricing and Fee Policies: Improve regulations on port service pricing to enhance investment efficiency, attract international transshipment cargo, and balance national and stakeholder interests.
• Open Port Policy: Develop regulations and guidance on open port policies for key terminals such as Lach Huyen, Cai Mep-Thi Vai, and Van Phong.

3. Human Resource Development:

• Training and Talent Attraction: Develop policies to train and attract high-quality maritime personnel, particularly in port management and operations.
• International Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with international organizations and stakeholders to develop maritime human resources.

4. Science and Technology Advancement:

• Modern Technology Adoption: Promote digital transformation and advanced technologies in maritime infrastructure development, aligning with Industry 4.0 trends.
• IT System Development: Invest in and expand Vietnam’s National Single Window for electronic ship clearance and port operation management.

5. Environmental Protection:

• Sustainable Development: Prioritize green port development, modernise the fleet with eco-friendly vessels, and implement Vietnam’s climate commitments.
• International Cooperation: Enhance partnerships in environmental research, disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation.

6. National Defense and Security Assurance:

• Island Port Infrastructure: Develop port facilities in island districts to support socio-economic development while ensuring national security and sovereignty.
• Interagency Coordination: Strengthen collaboration among ministries, local authorities, and agencies to safeguard national security and maintain public order in port planning and operations.

4. Development Phases

4.1 Master Planning Process

The master planning process involves:

1. Defining the planning tasks: 

• Analyzing and assessing factors, natural conditions, resources, context, current distribution, and spatial use of Vietnam’s port infrastructure. 
• Forecasting development trends, development scenarios, and climate change directly affecting port infrastructure during the planning period. 
• Forecasting the development trends of science and technology impacting port development in Vietnam.

2. Planning: 

• Defining objectives and development perspectives for the port system. 
• Proposing development plans for the port system, including port classification, development orientation for port groups, terminals, wharves, buoy berths, water areas, and navigable zones. 
• Assessing the strategic environmental impact of the plan.

3. Appraisal and approval of the plan: The Ministry of Transport submits the planning dossier to the Prime Minister for appraisal and approval in accordance with planning laws.

4. Announcement and implementation of the plan: 

• After approval, the master plan for the development of Vietnam’s port system is publicly announced. 
• Relevant agencies organize the implementation of the plan according to their assigned functions and tasks

4.2 Implementation Stages

Project implementation typically follows these stages:

1. Planning and approval: 

• Defining objectives, scope, and content of the plan. 
• Conducting research, data collection, and current status analysis. 
• Drafting the plan and gathering feedback from agencies, localities, and experts. 
• Finalizing and submitting the plan for approval by the competent authority.

2. Announcement and implementation: 

• Announcing the approved plan for stakeholders to be informed and to execute accordingly. 
• Developing a detailed implementation plan and roadmap. 
• Assigning responsibilities to relevant agencies and units for the plan’s execution.

3. Investment and development of port infrastructure: 

• List priority investment projects according to the plan. 
• Mobilizing and allocating investment capital from the state budget, enterprises, and other legal sources. 
• Implementing investment projects for the construction, upgrading, and expansion of ports according to the plan.

4. Monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of the plan: 

• Tracking and monitoring the implementation of the plan and investment projects. 
• Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the plan on economic, social, and environmental development. 
• Propose adjustments and supplements to the plan as necessary to align with actual conditions and national development strategies.

5. Acceptance and project completion: After completing the planned components, conducting acceptance, evaluating effectiveness, and drawing lessons for future projects.

5. Investment and Funding

Port development requires substantial investment, with various funding options available:

Financing Options

• Public Investment: The government proactively invests budget funds in port infrastructure, focusing on strategic projects that drive economic development and ensure national security. For instance, Decision No. 886/QD-TTg, dated July 24, 2023, prioritizes capital allocation in the medium-term public investment plan to implement 29 maritime infrastructure development projects.
• Private Sector Investment: Encouraging domestic and foreign enterprises to invest in port infrastructure through preferential policies and a favorable investment environment. According to the Government Electronic Newspaper, during the 2011-2020 period, the total investment for port infrastructure development reached approximately VND 202 trillion, of which 86% was non-budget capital.
• International Development Loans: Vietnam actively utilizes concessional loans from international financial institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to invest in port infrastructure. The country collaborates with strategic allies like Japan and South Korea, as well as international organizations such as JICA and ADB, to attract investment capital for port infrastructure development.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The state and the private sector cooperate in investing in and operating port infrastructure, sharing benefits and risks among stakeholders. The government is actively developing investment incentives for projects utilizing water areas and maritime zones to attract investors and promote maritime infrastructure development.

6. Best Practices and Case Studies

Several successful port developments in Vietnam offer valuable lessons:

Case Study: Lach Huyen Deep-Sea Port

According to Vnexpress, this modern deep-water port demonstrates successful implementation of:

• Strategic location and reasonable planning: Lach Huyen Port is located in Cat Hai Town, Cat Hai District, possessing a prime location with convenient trade connectivity to domestic and international provinces and cities. According to the plan, this deep-water port complex covers an area of 2,000 hectares, has a 55 km coastline, and aims to reach a capacity of 100 million TEUs per year by 2030, along with a system of 15 modern terminals.
• Capacity to accommodate large vessels: HICT Port can accommodate container ships up to 14,000 TEUs and general cargo vessels of 160,000 DWT, marking a breakthrough that enables Northern Vietnam’s import-export goods to be shipped directly to Europe and America without transshipment.
• Operational efficiency and volume growth: Since its commencement in 2018, HICT Port has continuously grown in cargo throughput. In 2024, the port achieved a record throughput of over 1.6 million TEUs, significantly surpassing its initially designed capacity of 1.1 million TEUs. This affirms the port’s operational efficiency and its ability to meet the increasing market demand.
• International cooperation and effective investment: HICT Port is the result of cooperation between Saigon Newport Corporation and international partners such as Mitsui O.S.K Lines (Japan), Wan Hai Lines (Taiwan), and Itochu (Japan). This partnership not only brought investment capital but also shared management experience and modern technology, enhancing port service quality.

7. Future Outlook and Recommendations

Key considerations for future port development include:

• Adoption of smart port technologies: Implementing information technology and automation solutions in port management and operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. According to the Ministry of Transport, digital transformation not only optimizes processes but also creates transparency and flexibility in logistics activities.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability measures: According to the Transport Journal, Vietnam’s maritime industry is striving to implement environmental protection measures and international commitments. Newly invested major ports are equipped with modern, automated cargo handling equipment powered by electricity, reducing labor costs, increasing productivity, and improving work efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improved regional connectivity: According to the Ministry of Transport, strengthening connectivity between ports and domestic transport systems, including roads, railways, and inland waterways, will help reduce transport costs and delivery times.
• Development of specialized terminals (Decision No. 1579/QD-TTg): Improving mechanisms and policies for managing investment and exploitation of public and specialized maritime infrastructure funded by non-state budget sources to ensure maritime safety and security, effective exploitation, and meeting the overall development needs of ports.

Conclusion

Strategic seaport planning is crucial for Vietnam’s maritime sector development. Success requires careful attention to legal requirements, technical specifications, and environmental considerations while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

Ready to begin your seaport development project? Contact Harley Miller Law Firm today for expert consultation and guidance throughout the planning process.

For detailed advice, please contact Harley Miller Law Firm.

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