Hateco Hai Phong Port Welcomes Container Ship of Nearly 214,000 DWT

Hateco Hai Phong Port recently welcomed the container ship MATZ MAERSK, with a deadweight tonnage of nearly 214,000 DWT, to berths 5 and 6 at the Lach Huyen port area. This event marks a significant step forward in the capacity of Vietnam’s seaport system to receive ultra-large container ships, while also expanding direct connectivity with international shipping routes.

MATZ MAERSK Becomes One of the Largest Container Ships Ever to Call at a Vietnamese Port

On June 23, the container vessel MATZ MAERSK, operated by Maersk, officially berthed at Berths No. 5 and No. 6 of Hateco Hai Phong Port. The vessel has a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 213,970.8, measures 399.2 meters in length, and can carry approximately 18,270 TEUs. As a member of the Triple E-class, one of the world’s largest classes of container ships, MATZ MAERSK is among the largest container vessels ever to operate at a Vietnamese seaport.

Hateco Hai Phong Port Meets All Requirements to Handle Ultra-Large Vessels

The arrival of MATZ MAERSK followed approval from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction, which authorized Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal JSC to receive large container vessels at Berths No. 5 and No. 6 in the Lach Huyen Port complex.

Before welcoming the vessel, the port satisfied all technical and operational requirements, including navigation channel conditions, turning basin capacity, structural safety, fire prevention and firefighting systems, environmental protection measures, and maritime safety standards.

In addition, the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration approved the operational safety plan to ensure the vessel’s arrival and departure could be conducted safely and efficiently.

Maersk and Hateco Expand Their Logistics Partnership

During the event, executives from A.P. Moller – Maersk, led by Robert Maersk Uggla, met with senior leaders of the Hateco Group to discuss expanding their long-term cooperation.

According to both companies, the increasing number of ultra-large container vessels calling at Hateco Hai Phong Port demonstrates the growing capability of the modern deep-water port system at Lach Huyen.

Chairman Tran Van Ky of Hateco stated that, despite operating for less than one year, Berths No. 5 and No. 6 have already handled more than 800,000 TEUs. Furthermore, the port expects container throughput to reach approximately 1.4 million TEUs in 2026, representing an increase of more than 70% compared with the previous year.

Expansion Plans to Welcome the Next Generation of Container Ships

To accommodate rising cargo volumes and larger vessels, Hateco has proposed expanding the turning basin in front of Berths No. 5 and No. 6.

Once completed, the expanded turning area will allow Hateco Hai Phong Port to receive a new generation of larger container ships while improving operational efficiency and supporting additional international shipping services.

Modern Logistics Network Continues to Grow

Maersk representatives praised the operational performance of Hateco Hai Phong Port and confirmed that both companies are expanding their cooperation through several infrastructure and logistics projects across Vietnam.

Moreover, in addition to their partnership in Hai Phong, Maersk and Hateco are jointly developing projects such as Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang and an inland port in Hanoi. These initiatives aim to build an integrated logistics network and strengthen Vietnam’s modern supply chain infrastructure.

Hai Phong Deep-Water Port Strengthens International Competitiveness

According to the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration, Berths No. 5 and No. 6 are currently authorized to accommodate container vessels of up to 165,000 DWT (partially loaded) with a maximum draft of 14.8 meters. The port may also receive vessels of up to 200,000 DWT (partially loaded) when all technical and safety requirements are fully satisfied.

Earlier in April 2026, Hateco Hai Phong Port welcomed COSCO SHIPPING AQUARIUS, a container ship exceeding 197,000 DWT operating on the Asia–Europe trade route.

As a result, industry experts believe that the regular arrival of ultra-large container ships will strengthen northern Vietnam’s deep-water port system by creating more direct connections with international shipping routes, reducing dependence on transshipment ports, shortening transit times, lowering logistics costs, and improving the competitiveness of Vietnam’s import and export sector.

Outlook for Hateco Hai Phong Port

Overall, the arrival of MATZ MAERSK highlights the growing shift of large-scale container shipping services toward the Lach Huyen deep-water port area.

The event also reflects Vietnam’s continued investment in modernizing its seaport infrastructure to meet international standards. Consequently, these developments will support international trade, accelerate logistics development, and further strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global maritime transportation industry.