The Deputy Minister of Construction visited and worked at Saigon Port on the development orientation of infrastructure and port systems in the new phase.
On the afternoon of December 26, 2025, at the headquarters located at 3 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Xom Chieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang and his delegation held an important working session with Saigon Port Joint Stock Company to review and direct the plan for upgrading infrastructure to meet development requirements in the new phase.
Presiding over the reception and working session with the Deputy Minister, on behalf of Saigon Port, the leadership team included Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam - General Director, and Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach - Deputy General Director. Also participating in the reception was Mr. Nguyen Anh Hao - Acting General Director of Saigon Gateway Port Joint Stock Company.Saigon Gateway Terminal Joint Stock Company) together with the leaders of the specialized departments and the operational centers under the two units.
Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director – reported to Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang on the roadmap for upgrading key infrastructure facilities at Saigon Port.
At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director representing Saigon Port – presented a detailed report on the roadmap for upgrading key infrastructure facilities, focusing on optimizing operational capacity and harmonizing with the urban development of Ho Chi Minh City.
The central area of the Nha Rong – Khanh Hoi mining site: There is a strong shift towards integration with the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space. Saigon Port is oriented towards intensive investment in international passenger terminal infrastructure, cruise ship services, and high-end restaurant ships, creating a highlight for the city's tourism landscape and economy.
Tan Thuan Central Mining Area: Prior to the construction of the Thu Thiem 4 bridge, Saigon Port proposed the formation of the Tan Thuan Complex Logistics Center (including bonded warehouses, ICDs, and urban distribution centers) and the adjustment of the existing port's functions to accommodate ships and barges in accordance with the new bridge's clearance.
Saigon Port – Hiep Phuoc area: This area has been identified as a key location for relocating the inner-city port. Saigon Port will focus on investing in an additional 50,000 square meters of international standard warehouse space and preparing documentation to receive vessels up to 100,000 tons (reduced load). Simultaneously, the port is researching and implementing phase 2 on a 100-hectare scale to support the goal of relocating the port out of the inner city.
Phu My area & SSIT Port: Proposals include expanding the berths at Saigon Port – Phu My Branch to increase the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 80,000 DWT. For SSIT Port, the Port Authority proposes extending the berths by an additional 200m to connect with Gemalink Port, thereby enhancing the capacity of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai area.
Floating dock system: Upgrading the Thieng Lieng area to accommodate 100,000-ton vessels will help reduce pressure on the Soai Rap channel and increase flexibility in cargo management.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sang, Deputy Minister of Construction, listened to the report and gave directions for the development of Saigon Port in the coming period.
After hearing the report and engaging in discussions, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang gave important directives to guide the development of Saigon Port in the coming period.
Regarding shipping lanes: It was agreed to conduct a study on dredging the Soài Rạp channel to a depth of -9.5m during the period 2026-2027 to optimize port capacity and facilitate the smooth entry and exit of large-tonnage vessels.
Regarding the inner city area: It was agreed to gradually reduce cargo at Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi to enhance services for passenger ships. At Tan Thuan, the requirement was to maintain the current infrastructure, without major renovations, while awaiting the planning options for the Thu Thiem 4 bridge.
Regarding passenger ships: The Hiep Phuoc area (including Saigon Port – Hiep Phuoc) is planned to be the main passenger ship receiving point, along with the Cai Mep area.
Regarding infrastructure development: We support the policy of reviewing and adjusting the planning to increase capacity at SSIT port as cargo volume growth exceeds forecasts.
At the end of the working session, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang acknowledged and highly appreciated the proactive spirit and long-term vision of Saigon Port in planning flexible infrastructure solutions that adapt to the new situation.
The Deputy Minister instructed the units under the Ministry to work closely with the Port to remove "bottlenecks" in administrative and legal procedures, creating momentum for breakthroughs in waterway transport and logistics in the South. The consensus reached during the meeting not only strengthened the strategic position of Saigon Port in the national seaport system but also laid a solid foundation for the goal of becoming a leading provider of port and logistics services in the region.
Article: Chuong Pham
Image: Saigon Port
