State-owned shipping group Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) is electrifying the logistics landscape with an ambitious plan to transform all its ports into “smart ports.” This initiative aims to not only reduce logistics costs but also significantly improve efficiency, a goal passionately underscored by VIMC’s general director, Le Anh Son.
VIMC has shown remarkable growth momentum in 2025, recording a seaborne cargo volume of 21.5 million tons, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. The throughput at its ports surged by 12%, reaching a total of 162 million tons. Revenue also saw a noteworthy uptick of nearly 8% compared to 2024, showcasing the corporation’s robust operational performance during a challenging economic landscape.
However, 2026 presented its own challenges. Escalating tensions in the Middle East caused a substantial increase in fuel costs, with bunker fuel prices soaring by as much as 2.4 times. This shift has necessitated a reassessment of transport contracts, as highlighted by Son during a recent government conference. Despite these pressures, VIMC is determined to align with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s directive to cut logistics costs while sustaining double-digit growth targets. The corporation is aiming for a 10.5% increase in shipping volume and an 11% rise in port throughput, with an expected revenue growth of at least 10% this year.
To achieve these ambitious targets, VIMC is accelerating its digital transformation journey. The plan includes converting 100% of its ports into smart ports by the end of the current term. According to Son, this automation is expected to streamline administrative procedures and significantly reduce both cargo handling and storage costs. Notably, major hubs like Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City are already offering some of the most competitive service fees in the market, further bolstering their appeal to clients.
In a bid to modernize further, VIMC is integrating artificial intelligence and automation into its port and shipping operations. This strategic move aims to optimize data management processes and achieve even greater cost savings. The overarching goal is clear: to create a more efficient and competitive logistics network that can withstand external pressures.
Historically, VIMC has pointed to Vietnam’s heavy reliance on road transport as a significant contributor to high logistics costs. During a recent conference with the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, Son emphasized the need for substantial investment in alternative transport modes. He urged the government to prioritize funding for inland waterway infrastructure, especially in southern Vietnam, which boasts an extensive network of rivers and canals yet remains underutilized.
In tandem with this focus, Son called for enhancements to rail freight capacity. The current railway network predominantly follows a north-south axis, presenting limited connections to industrial zones in southern provinces such as Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai. Strengthening these connections is vital for fostering a more integrated logistics ecosystem.
To further reduce logistics costs for the broader economy, VIMC is collaborating with foreign partners to develop cross-regional transport solutions that connect industrial centers directly to seaports. This approach illustrates VIMC’s commitment to fostering a more cohesive and efficient logistics network.
State-controlled Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) has outlined plans to invest nearly VND13.8 trillion ($527.45 million) to co-develop the Can Gio international transshipment port, one of the country’s most ambitious port projects, as it seeks to expand capacity and capture long-term growth in regional logistics.
According to documents prepared for its 2026 AGM, VIMC (UPCoM: MVN) will partner with its subsidiary Saigon Port Corp and Terminal Investment Limited Holding (TIL)—an affiliate of global shipping group MSC—to establish a project company for the development.
VIMC is expected to hold a 36% stake, while Saigon Port will own 15% and TIL 49%.
Located in Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City, the port is designed to handle ultra-large container vessels of up to 250,000 DWT. The project will feature a total berth length of around 7.2 kilometers and a designed capacity of 16.9 million TEU annually across an area of 571 hectares.
The consortium submitted its application in early March and is awaiting regulatory approval, having already received prior in-principle endorsement from the prime minister in January.