The port also welcomed its first container ship - Haiphong China Express. — VNA/VNS Photo Khiếu Tư
THANH HÓA — An international deepwater container port was put into operation at Nghi Sơn International Port in the north central province of Thanh Hóa on Wednesday.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Transport Lê Đình Thọ appreciated CMA Group's decision to open a container port and selection of Nghi Sơn International Port for the construction.
The route will create favourable conditions for import-export enterprises in Thanh Hóa and neighbouring provinces, thus contributing to making Nghi Sơn Economic Zone and economic zones in Thanh Hóa well as other provinces in the region more attractive to domestic and foreign investors.
To tap the potential for Nghi Sơn Port to become a strong deep-sea port, Thọ proposed Nghi Sơn International Port company modernise its production organisation and freight forwarding, and provide top services for ship owners and import and export firms.
He asked for efforts to effectively organise logistics service to cut shipping and logistics costs for businesses.
The ministry will work with provincial authorities in directing the implementation of some key projects such as the North-South expressway - the Ninh Bình - Thanh Hóa and Thanh Hóa – Bãi Vọt sections, the second phase of the national highway 217 project, a coastal road route and investing in port projects, Thọ said.
On the same day, the port also welcomed its first container ship - Haiphong China Express.
Starting operation in October 2017, the Nghi Sơn International Port consists of four wharfs, nine multi-purpose shore cranes and modern equipment capable of handling 9 million tonnes of goods per year. It is fully capable of receiving bulk carriers, goods, liquid cargo ships and container ships.
Along with Nghi Sơn International Port, another container-dedicated port is being constructed in the locality with a container handling capacity of up to 600,000 TEU per year.
The port opening shows the potential of Thanh Hóa Province in making use of maximum geographical position to develop trade by sea and at the same time make an important contribution to reducing freight and logistics costs as well as reducing the load on the road system. — VNS
