Cai Mep International Terminal Co. (CMIT) and Tan Cang-Cai Mep Thi Vai Terminal Co. (TCTT) began commercial operations at their joint berth on Friday, linking their adjacent facilities to form a continuous 1,200-meter quay.

The shared berth connects the quay areas of the two terminals, allowing them to coordinate the use of berthing space, equipment and personnel to serve vessels more efficiently.

The two terminals have similar quay elevations, aligned berth edges, and crane rail systems that can be connected, enabling more flexible operations across the combined facility.

Under the new operating model, the shared berth can accommodate three large vessels simultaneously, compared with a maximum of two previously.

The arrangement is expected to increase operating capacity at each terminal by around 30-40%, equivalent to an additional 400,000-500,000 TEUs annually. Across both terminals, the system could provide nearly 900,000 TEUs of additional annual capacity.

The expanded capacity is expected to improve the terminals’ ability to handle large container ships and respond to growing demand for deep-water port services.

Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the city aims to develop an integrated port and logistics ecosystem linking the Cat Lai and Hiep Phuoc port systems, river ports, and inland container depots in Binh Duong, the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port cluster, and the planned Can Gio international transshipment port.

The city targets to gradually integrate these facilities into a modern, green and smart logistics network, he said.

Cai Mep-Thi Vai is one of Vietnam’s major deep-water port clusters. Located close to international shipping routes, it serves as a gateway for regional trade and an important economic hub for the southern key economic region.

Vinh described the joint berth initiative as a noteworthy step towards improving port operations. He said it was expected to deliver practical benefits to both terminal operators while strengthening the overall efficiency and service capacity of the Cai Mep-Thi Vai cluster.

HCMC will continue to streamline administrative procedures, accelerate digital transformation and improve transport connections to support the development of its maritime and logistics sectors, he added.