The port authorities said containers account for 60% of the total cargo through the port each year, a figure that has grown annually by 15%.

According to the port authorities, the container yard – built behind piers 4 and 5 – was part of a strategic master plan for developing Tien Sa Port for specialised container services as well as services for cruise and large cargo ships.

The port now has expanded its area to 30ha and can handle container ships up to 50,000DWT (deadweight tonnage). It can also handle break-bulk vessels and 168,000GT (gross tonnage) cruise ships.

Last year, Tien Sa Port received 12.2 million tonnes of cargo.

The first direct shipping route from Tien Sa Port to Long Beach Port in Oakland, California was launched last year, running cargo ships from central Vietnam to the US.

The Tien Sa Port system is seen as a key export site for the central region.

It hosts regular shipping routes from 20 shipping companies including Maersk, Evergreen, MSC, SITC, Wanhai and COSCO, while global container shipping companies such as ONE and Hapag Lloyd have also shipped their cargo on different vessels, the port reported.