Containers loaded on a vessel for export at Lạch Huyện Berth, Hải Phòng. — VNA/VNS Photo

HẢI PHÒNG — Ports in the northern city of Hải Phòng handled an estimated 134.34 million tonnes of goods in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding the eight-month target of 115 million tonnes by 16.8 per cent and rising 11.74 per cent year on year, equivalent to 56.2 per cent of the full-year plan.

The strong performance followed a series of measures to optimise port capacity and improve the competitiveness of the city’s seaport system, with a focus on maximising the efficiency of the Lạch Huyện international gateway port as new berths came into operation.

The port has successfully received ultra-large container vessels operating directly to the US West Coast and European markets without transshipment.

At the same time, Hải Phòng has accelerated the development of “green and smart ports”, applying automation and electronic customs procedures to significantly reduce vessel turnaround and cargo clearance times.

Upgraded inter-regional transport links, from roads to inland waterways, have also helped ensure smooth cargo flows from industrial parks to ports.

Administrative reforms and efforts to support businesses have further helped the city attract international shipping lines and open new services.

This proactive approach is evident during the National Day holiday, with Hai Phong Port JSC, a key operator in the northern seaport system, maintaining full-capacity operations throughout the holiday.

General Director Lê Hồng Quân said the company has arranged sufficient personnel and equipment and developed detailed operating plans across all its branches and terminals to ensure uninterrupted cargo flows.

Together with thorough infrastructure preparations, close coordination among customs agencies, border guards and the port authorities enabled large container vessels arriving during the holiday to be handled quickly and safely.

To sustain growth in the remaining months of 2026, Hải Phòng Port will step up efforts to attract targeted shipping services and carriers to Tân Vũ Port, which is now capable of handling vessels of up to 55,000 DWT.

The company will prioritise services that can be shifted from other regional ports while working with major partners including Maersk, MSC, COSCO, Sinolines and ZGL, as well as Korean shipping lines such as Namsung, Pancon, Dongjin, Sinokor and KMTC, to open new services and increase container throughput.

The company will also focus on retaining its existing market share and expanding its customer base among exporters, importers and manufacturers in key industrial parks.

Integrated logistics services will be further developed, particularly barge services linking the Lạch Huyện port complex with inland river ports, helping reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.

Hải Phòng Port will continue to modernise its information technology system, strengthen data connectivity with customers and shipping lines, and expand value-added services such as VSSC, tugboat operations and logistics support.

It also aims to complete additional works at Lạch Huyện’s Berths No. 3 and 4 as scheduled while studying further investment in potential infrastructure projects. — VNA/VNS