A welcoming ceremony at Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT) marks the historic docking of the giant-vessel COSCO SHIPPING AQUARIUS. (Vietnam Government News)
On April 22, the Hai Phong seaport at the Lach Huyen port area welcomed the COSCO Shipping Aquarius—one of the world’s largest container ships. Stretching 400 meters in length and displacing 197,087 deadweight tonnage (DWT), the vessel is the largest ever to call at the port. Observers noted that the berthing and load-handling operations were carried out with remarkable precision and efficiency.
The event marked a significant milestone in the 150-year development journey of the port system, now operated by the Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT) Company. It further demonstrates Vietnam’s capacity to meet international shipping standards—as well its growing ability to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs, thereby cutting logistics costs for exporters.
This achievement is the product of the government’s sustained commitment to two strategic pillars: robust, synchronised infrastructure development and expanded operational capacity through systematic investment in port facilities and services.
To nurture this momentum and attract more major shipping lines, the government will need to maintain this course of action. Complementing these national efforts, HHIT group has committed to a long-term strategy centered on developing a green and smart port, with a view to addressing environmental concerns and aligning with global sustainability standards.
What does this mean for business?
Vietnam’s growing port capabilities come at an opportune time for investors and trade partners alike. As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, the country shows no signs of slowing. The Asian Development Bank forecasts gross domestic product (GDP) expansion of 7.2% in 2026 and 7.0% in 2027, on the back of an 8% growth rate in 2025, placing Vietnam among the region’s top performers. Its trade standing is equally impressive, with the World Trade Organization recognising Vietnam as one of the thirty largest exporters worldwide in 2025.
Beyond the numbers, Vietnam is cementing its reputation as a reliable and business-friendly destination: one backed by modern infrastructure, a stable regulatory environment, and a consistent commitment to attracting foreign investment. These are qualities that much of the developing world in the region has yet to consistently deliver.
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