Cam Pha, Vietnam

Port Overview

Cam Pha is a port city in Quang Ninh province, northeastern Vietnam, located about 35 km northeast of Ha Long and near the Gulf of Tonkin. It is one of the region’s key coal export ports, strategically important for bulk cargo, especially coal shipments from Vietnam’s largest mining area. While not among Vietnam’s top container ports, Cam Pha plays a significant role in bulk and general cargo. Its annual TEU capacity is limited, with most throughput focused on bulk commodities rather than containerized cargo.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Cam Pha Port specializes in bulk cargo, particularly coal, featuring dedicated coal handling terminals, multiple bulk cargo berths, and extensive storage yards. Facilities include conveyor systems for efficient cargo transfer, open and covered storage areas, and direct rail and road links to mining regions. The port is equipped with advanced material handling equipment, including cranes and conveyor loaders, but does not currently utilize automated guided vehicles (AGVs). It accommodates Panamax and Capesize vessels and operates 24/7.

Container Terminals

Cam Pha, Vietnam’s container terminal facilities are limited, with the port primarily focused on bulk cargo, especially coal. The port has one main berth of 300 meters and plans for expansion to two berths totaling 550 meters. Container handling capacity is modest, with no significant automation reported. Major operations are managed by VINACOMIN (Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group). The port’s infrastructure is basic, with manual cargo handling prevailing.

Port Services

• Container Handling: Limited; Cam Pha primarily handles bulk cargo, especially coal and minerals, with some general cargo and occasional container operations.
• Cargo Operations: Specialized in coal and mineral exports, stevedoring, bulk cargo loading/unloading, and conveyor systems for efficient transfer.
• Ship Services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, ship repair and maintenance, underwater works, marine supplies, and 24/7 support for bulk carriers.
• Warehousing: Extensive open and covered storage yards for coal and minerals, plus advanced cargo tracking and management systems.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance facilities and integrated logistics support for import/export processes.

Global Connectivity

Cam Pha Port in northeastern Vietnam connects directly to the Gulf of Tonkin and serves as a key export gateway for the coal and mineral industries of Quang Ninh Province. It is linked by road and rail to regional mining areas and nearby ports such as Hon Gai, Ha Long, and Cai Lan. Cam Pha handles bulk carriers on routes to major markets in China, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia, leveraging its proximity to main shipping lanes in the South China Sea.

Port Statistics

Cam Pha Port, Vietnam – Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Cam Pha is primarily a bulk cargo port; container throughput (TEU) is minimal and not a major operational focus.
• World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports.
• Number of Berths: The port does not have dedicated container berths; it mainly serves bulk carriers.
• Area: Specific port area figures are not published, but the port is designed for bulk operations rather than large-scale container handling.
• Shipping Lines: Serves mainly bulk and general cargo vessels; regular container shipping lines are not prominent at Cam Pha.