Why Hai Phong Is Emerging as Northern Vietnam’s Leading Logistics Hub

Why Hai Phong Is Emerging as Northern Vietnam’s Leading Logistics Hub

Date 03-04-2026 Views 1122

Hai Phong is rapidly establishing itself as Northern Vietnam’s leading logistics hub, driven by its deep-sea port system, integrated transport infrastructure, and strong FDI inflows. In 2024, the city handled approximately 7.1 million TEUs of container cargo, ranking 30th globally, with projections exceeding 8.2 million TEUs in 2025. Combined with expanding port capacity, seamless multimodal connectivity, and rising warehouse demand, Hai Phong is becoming a strategic gateway for regional and international trade. As supply chains grow more complex, partnering with experienced logistics providers in Hai Phong is key to optimizing cost efficiency and operational performance.

Executive Summary

Hai Phong is emerging as a leading logistics hub in Northern Vietnam, driven by its deep-sea port system, integrated transport infrastructure, and strong inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2024, Hai Phong’s port system handled approximately 7.1 million TEUs of container cargo, ranking 30th globally and placing Vietnam among the top six countries in total container throughput. By 2025, the city is expected to increase total cargo volume to around 115 million tons, with container throughput exceeding 8.2 million TEUs (up approximately 10% year-on-year).

Port infrastructure continues to expand rapidly. Lach Huyen Deep-Sea Port, currently comprising six berths, has recently added berths 3–6, bringing total capacity to an estimated 3–4 million TEUs per year. Meanwhile, the Nam Do Son Port project, developed by Vingroup, is under preparation, with 21 berths planned and a phase-one capacity of 2 million TEUs.

In parallel, hinterland connectivity is improving significantly. Hai Phong is one of the few locations in Vietnam where all five modes of transportation—air, road, rail, inland waterways, and maritime—converge. Major infrastructure such as the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway, Hai Phong–Ha Long Expressway, and the 15.6 km Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Bridge (completed in 2017) have substantially reduced inland transit times and increased cargo handling capacity.

At the same time, industrial zones in Hai Phong are attracting strong FDI inflows, with approximately 2,060 active projects totaling USD 45.6 billion by the end of 2025, primarily in high-tech sectors such as electronics and manufacturing. Combined with rising warehouse demand—industrial warehouse supply in Northern Vietnam reaching approximately 4.5 million m² with an occupancy rate of around 88%—Hai Phong is rapidly positioning itself as a key logistics growth pole.


Trade Catalyst: Lach Huyen Port and Hai Phong’s Rapid Port Expansion

Hai Phong currently operates 101 berths with a total length of approximately 17 km along the Cam River. Within this system, the Lach Huyen deep-water port has developed six berths with channel depths reaching -14.5 meters.

In 2024, Hai Phong’s port system handled 7.1 million TEUs of container cargo, placing it as the second-largest port in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City and 30th globally. Notably, Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company recorded a historic milestone by handling 2 million TEUs in 2025 for the first time in its more than 150-year history.

Looking ahead, total container throughput is expected to exceed 8.2 million TEUs in 2025, representing more than 10% growth year-on-year.

This growth is further supported by the operation of Lach Huyen berths 3, 4, 5, and 6. In May 2025, berths 3–4 were inaugurated with a capacity of approximately 1.3–1.5 million TEUs per year, while in April 2025, the Hateco International Terminal (berths 5–6) was launched with advanced automation capabilities for handling large vessels.

As a result, Hai Phong has added nearly 1 million m² of container yard space, significantly increasing adjacent warehouse capacity. Under its long-term development plan toward 2030 and vision to 2050, Hai Phong aims to become a “special-class seaport and international logistics hub,” with Lach Huyen expanding to 13–16 berths and a capacity of 61–90 million tons by 2030.

In particular, the Nam Do Son Port project by Vingroup, covering 4,300 hectares, is expected to deliver 2 million TEUs in phase one (by 2030) and up to 24 million TEUs by 2035, positioning Hai Phong as a regional competitor to major logistics hubs such as Singapore.


Integrated Transport Infrastructure: Strengthening the Logistics Backbone

Hai Phong benefits from a fully integrated transport system, including road, rail, inland waterways, maritime, and air transport.

The Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway (105 km, six lanes), completed in 2015, reduces travel time to approximately two hours. The coastal route connecting Hai Phong to Ha Long, opened in 2018, further enhances regional connectivity. The Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Bridge, spanning 15.6 km and inaugurated in 2017, directly links the city center to the deep-sea port, enabling efficient cargo movement.

Rail infrastructure also supports logistics operations, with the Hanoi–Hai Phong railway connecting to the national network. Inland container depots (ICDs) in Hanoi and surrounding areas are expanding to facilitate cargo consolidation for export.

Cat Bi International Airport provides additional air cargo capacity, supporting time-sensitive shipments.

With this integrated infrastructure, more than 30 international shipping routes now operate through Hai Phong, allowing direct connections to the United States, Europe, and Asia without transshipment, significantly reducing costs and transit times.


Trade Dynamics and Strong FDI Inflows

As Northern Vietnam’s primary gateway, Hai Phong handles a substantial volume of import-export cargo. In 2025, total cargo throughput reached 115.6 million tons, up 8.7% from 2024, including more than 8.35 million TEUs of container cargo. The city aims to reach 122 million tons and 9.1 million TEUs by 2026.

Hai Phong is also a major industrial hub, with 43 industrial parks and a dynamic maritime economy. By the end of 2025, the city had over 2,060 active FDI projects with total registered capital of approximately USD 45.6 billion, leading Northern Vietnam.

Major investors include LG and Bridgestone, alongside companies from the United States, Japan, Singapore, and China. These investments are concentrated in high-value sectors such as electronics, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy, driving strong demand for logistics services.


Warehouse Demand and Market Trends

The warehousing sector in Hai Phong is experiencing rapid growth. By the end of 2024, total ready-built warehouse supply in Northern Vietnam reached approximately 4.5 million m², with an average occupancy rate of around 88%.

Warehouse demand is driven by manufacturing expansion and export growth. Rental prices are expected to increase by 0–4% annually between 2025 and 2027 due to limited new supply.

Compared to Hanoi, Hai Phong offers more competitive rental rates while providing direct port access, enabling businesses to significantly reduce transportation costs.

The city is also developing integrated “port–industrial park–logistics” ecosystems, allowing seamless cargo flow between ports, warehouses, and production facilities.


Challenges and Strategic Recommendations

Despite its strong growth, Hai Phong faces challenges such as limited land availability, rising industrial land prices, and the need for continued infrastructure upgrades to prevent congestion.

Global risks, including freight rate volatility and supply chain disruptions, also require businesses to adopt more resilient logistics strategies.

Key recommendations include:

  • Investing in logistics technology and automation
  • Partnering with experienced logistics providers
  • Developing long-term strategies aligned with infrastructure expansion

Conclusion & Call to Action

Hai Phong is rapidly transforming into a key logistics growth hub in Northern Vietnam, supported by modern port infrastructure, integrated connectivity, and strong FDI inflows.

To fully leverage these advantages and enhance competitiveness, businesses should partner with GoldenLink—a trusted logistics provider in Hai Phong. GoldenLink offers comprehensive solutions from warehousing and transportation to customs clearance, ensuring efficient and reliable supply chain operations.

Contact GoldenLink today to optimize your logistics strategy and unlock the full potential of Hai Phong.

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