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    Tan Cang, Vietnam

    Tan Cang is Vietnam’s leading maritime gateway, connecting global trade routes with advanced logistics and deep-water port capacity.

    Container Volume:5 Million TEU
    Tan Cang, Vietnam flag
    Tan Cang, Vietnam

    Port Overview

    Tan Cang, specifically Tan Cang Cat Lai Terminal, is located in Ho Chi Minh City on the Saigon River. It is Vietnam’s largest and most modern container port, ranking among the top 50 busiest container ports globally. Covering 160 hectares with over 2 kilometers of berthing space, Tan Cang Cat Lai is a strategic gateway for southern Vietnam’s imports and exports, especially for electronics, textiles, and footwear. The port handles over 5 million TEUs annually, making it a critical hub in the country’s logistics and trade network.

    Facilities & Infrastructure

    Tan Cang’s main facilities include the Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam’s largest and most modern container port, with over 100 hectares, seven berths totaling 1,189 meters, and 17 Panamax quayside gantry cranes. The Cai Mep Container Terminal features deep-water berths for vessels up to 160,000 DWT and advanced cargo handling equipment. The port operates a large fleet of RTGs, reach stackers, terminal tractors, and supports automated systems for efficient cargo movement.

    Container Terminals

    Tan Cang’s main container terminals are Tan Cang Cat Lai and Tan Cang Cai Mep. Cat Lai has 9 berths, a total berth length of 2,040 meters, and handles vessels up to 45,000 DWT, with high automation using real-time management software. Cai Mep has 1 main berth (plus 3 for barges), a 300-meter berth length, and a capacity of 600,000 TEU per year. Both are operated by Saigon Newport Corporation.

    Port Services

    Here are the main services at Tan Cang, Vietnam:

    • Container Handling: Receiving and handling containers.
    • Cargo Operations: Handling bulk cargo, project cargo, and OOG.
    • Ship Services: Support for vessels, including towing and rescue.
    • Warehousing: Warehouses and CFS services.
    • Customs: Customs declaration and brokerage services.

    Global Connectivity

    Tan Cang, particularly the Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT), is a major Vietnamese port hub with direct connections to North America, including the U.S. West and Gulf Coasts, as well as key Asian ports such as China, Thailand, and India. It serves southern Vietnam’s industrial zones and logistics centers, offering regular shipping routes to major global markets and strong intra-Asia connectivity, supporting both regional and international trade flows.

    Port Statistics

    Tan Cang Port, Vietnam – Key Statistics (2025):

    • TEU Throughput: Approximately 4.5 million TEUs annually.
    • World Ranking: Among top 50 container ports globally.
    • Number of Berths: 7 main container berths.
    • Area: 381,879 square meters.
    • Shipping Lines: Serviced by major global carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, Evergreen, and regional lines connecting to China, Japan, Thailand, and ASEAN markets.
    Container being moved

    Ship cargo through Tan Cang, Vietnam

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    Operations Logistics & Timelines

    Step-by-step process and transit times for international vessel berthing, customs clearance, transloading, and final delivery.

    For Clients

    Import & export process times from vessel arrival to cargo delivery.

    • Booking confirmationsame day to 1 day
    • Terminal gate-in and documentation4-24 hrs
    • Cargo discharge or load planning12-48 hrs
    • Final pickup or onward drayagesame day to 3 days

    For Employees

    Port authority inspection and transloading procedures and timelines.

    • Berth planning and yard coordinationcontinuous
    • Cargo handling operationsshift-based
    • Customs and compliance processingsame day to 2 days

    For Shareholders

    Performance benchmarks, cargo throughput KPIs and reporting cadences.

    • Throughput monitoringdaily / monthly
    • Asset utilization reviewweekly / monthly
    • Capital project trackingquarterly

    International Import Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Confirm cutoffs early

      Confirm vessel cutoffs, customs filing deadlines, and drayage windows before cargo reaches the terminal to avoid storage and rollover costs.

    2. 2

      Track utilization trends

      Review berth productivity, dwell times, and throughput trends alongside capex progress to separate structural bottlenecks from short-term volume swings.

    International Export Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Keep gate data aligned

      Keep appointment systems, yard status, and documentation status aligned to reduce avoidable delays in handoff and cargo release.

    Tools & Resources

    Tools and resources for shipping through Tan Cang, Vietnam.

    Location & Maps

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    For More Info

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Tan Cang, Vietnam.

    What is the typical process for import containers moving through this international port?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, discharge, customs review, terminal release, pickup or rail transfer, and final inland delivery. Timing depends on congestion, documentation, inspections, and local drayage capacity.

    What affects export cargo timing at an international port?

    Export timing depends on gate cutoff windows, booking confirmation, documentation readiness, customs requirements, terminal operating hours, and vessel schedule reliability.

    Glossary / Terminology

    Key terms relevant to international seaport operations and ocean freight.