Driving forward the construction of strategic seaports

According to the Viet Nam Maritime and Waterway Administration under the Ministry of Transport, the North Central Coast seaport system plays a pivotal role in shaping freight transport routes from Southeast Asia to global markets. Alongside Nghe An and Ha Tinh Provinces, Quang Tri is regarded as the “gateway to the sea” for northeast Thailand. With a favourable transport network linking its ports, Quang Tri essentially meets post-port cargo clearance demands both in the short and long term.

Recognising the significant potential of seaport development, particularly in meeting rising freight demand along the East–West economic corridor, the former provinces of Quang Binh and Quang Tri prioritised investment to upgrade existing ports. In Quang Binh, Hon La Port and Cua Gianh Port are operational, while Quang Tri’s Cua Viet Port continues to function effectively. However, these remain small-scale facilities with limited capacity, primarily handling bulk cargo and lacking berths for cruise ships.

Before the two provinces merged into a single administrative unit, Quang Binh launched construction of Hon La International Port in March 2025, with investment capital of nearly 2.3 trillion VND.

The port, spanning over 39 hectares, will not only serve the Hon La Economic Zone and industrial parks in the province but also facilitate cargo transfers with Laos, Thailand’s northeastern region, Myanmar, and economic zones in the vicinity.

The project is set to be carried out in two phases. The first one involves the construction of two berths with a combined length of 470 metres, able to accommodate cargo vessels up to 50,000 tonnes and bulk carrier up to 70,000 tonnes. The annual capacity is estimated at 3 million tonnes. The second one, scheduled for 2027, will add two more berths, 500 metres in total length. The facilities will handle vessels up to 100,000 DWT and double the port’s annual capacity to 6 million tonnes.

Beyond freight transportation, the port is able to welcome international cruise ships, opening opportunities for maritime tourism and contributing to local sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, in Quang Tri, the My Thuy deep-water port project is under construction with total investment exceeding 14 trillion VND.

The 685-ha port will be home to 10 wharves capable of receiving ships of up to 100,000 tonnes. It is expected to significantly contribute to freight transport and economic growth of Quang Tri province.

The project, led by My Thuy International Port Joint Stock Company, will see Phase 1 deliver four berths, all of which are targeted to be operational by 2027.

The port will mainly serve the province’s south-east economic zone and industrial zones, as well as cargo in transit from Laos and the northeast region of Thailand on the East-West economic corridor.

Strengthening transport links to unlock economic potential

Representatives of the Viet Nam Maritime and Waterway Administration note that seaports in the North Central Coast are strategically distributed. The region’s transport network encompasses road, rail, air, inland waterways, and sea, forming a solid foundation to maximise seaport efficiency and expand economic ties both domestically and internationally. Yet, in recent years, cargo throughput at Quang Tri’s ports has lagged behind potential.

The logistics distribution network remains underdeveloped, with no inland container depots or logistics centres in operation. Seaports in Quang Tri lack nearby regional economic flows, resulting in low cargo volumes. Inland waterways and coastal shipping also account for only a small market share.

To overcome these bottlenecks, Quang Tri has, with government and ministerial support, mobilised resources to invest in transport systems connecting economic zones and seaports, while attracting enterprises to develop large-scale, modern ports aligned with international standards and green port criteria.

Currently, Quang Tri’s ports are linked to economic zones and key national energy projects. Hon La Port serves Hon La Economic Zone and facilitates goods transport for Laos and Thailand, while My Thuy Port supports the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone and Quang Tri Thermal Power Plant, as well as handling import–export flows for neighbouring countries.

According to Truong Chi Trung, Director of Quang Tri Provincial Department of Construction, the province will prioritise three strategic corridors linked to seaports during 2025–2030 to form international freight transport routes: National Highway 12A from Hon La Port to Cha Lo International Border Gate, National Highway 9 from Cua Viet Port to Lao Bao International Border Gate, and National Highway 15D from My Thuy Port to La Lay International Border Gate.

Among these, National Highway 15D is considered the shortest and least steep, facilitating heavy goods transport. These projects present major opportunities for Quang Tri to harness its advantages in logistics and economic development.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transport issued a Circular regulating seaport waters in Quang Tri, covering four key areas: Hon La, Cua Gianh, Cua Viet, and My Thuy. This measure strengthens the legal framework for maritime activities in the central region, enhancing management, control, and safety, while promoting Quang Tri’s marine economy in a new phase.

The merger of Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces not only expands the space for marine economic development but also reinforces regional connectivity, linking mountainous and inland areas to the sea, optimising resources, reducing local competition, and boosting national competitiveness.

As the province’s socio-economic scale grows and cargo volumes rise, seaport throughput capacity will be transformed, gradually positioning Quang Tri as a vital logistics and transhipment hub for the North Central Coast and the East–West economic corridor.