Back to Previous Page
MSC Deepens Its Investment Commitment to Vietnam’s Port Infrastructure
Vietnam’s ambition to become a regional transshipment hub is gaining momentum, supported by growing interest from one of the world’s largest shipping companies.
On October 9, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping company with approximately 22% global market share, expressed interest in further expanding its investment in Vietnam, particularly in port infrastructure and international cargo transshipment.
Importantly, MSC is not a newcomer to Vietnam. Through its port investment subsidiary, Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), MSC has already established a presence in the country’s maritime infrastructure.
In Hai Phong, TIL holds a 49% stake in the joint venture operating Lach Huyen Container Terminals 3 and 4, alongside Hai Phong Port. The terminals commenced operations in 2025, with a designed capacity of approximately 1.1 million TEUs annually.
Encouragingly, the investment has delivered stronger-than-expected initial results. The joint venture recorded approximately VND 580 billion in revenue and VND 45 billion in profit in 2025, reaching profitability in its first year of operations despite initial expectations of losses during the first three years. The terminal handled approximately 252,000 TEUs in 2025, with a target of 700,000 TEUs for 2026.
Building on this experience, MSC is pursuing a much larger opportunity through the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, where TIL participates in an investor consortium alongside Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) and Saigon Port.
The proposed project involves approximately US$5 billion in total investment, with designed capacity expected to reach 4.8 million TEUs by 2030 and eventually 16.9 million TEUs by 2047.
Why does MSC’s involvement matter?
Vietnam has already established itself as a major manufacturing and export destination, supported by strong FDI inflows and expanding international trade. However, becoming a regional transshipment hub represents a different stage of development, allowing Vietnam to capture cargo flows beyond its own imports and exports.
Importantly, the presence of MSC offers more than financial capital. Its extensive global shipping network could help attract international services, secure cargo volumes and improve terminal utilization, which are critical determinants of a transshipment port’s commercial viability.
Nevertheless, competition from established regional hubs such as Singapore and Malaysia remains significant. Port capacity alone will not guarantee success without competitive handling costs, reliable shipping connectivity and efficient operations.
The bigger opportunity is for Vietnam to move beyond being a manufacturing and export hub toward becoming an important link in global shipping networks. MSC’s growing involvement, supported by its encouraging early performance in Hai Phong, represents a meaningful step toward that ambition.
Original news from the government news: https://en.baochinhphu.vn/leading-container-shipping-company-to-help-develop-viet-nam-into-regional-cargo-transshipment-hub-111261010085420637.htm
