Vietnam has approved a major new port development that could reshape cargo flows in the country’s central region.
A joint bid by APM Terminals and local infrastructure company Hateco Group has secured a 50-year lease to develop the Lien Chieu Container Port, a $1.7 billion project located north of Danang, Vietnam’s third-largest city.
In its first phase, the deep-sea terminal will offer 4 million TEU of annual capacity, with a total quay length of 2,750 meters and eight container berths capable of handling ships of up to 18,000 TEU. After the completion of the third phase, total annual capacity is expected to reach around 5.7 million TEU.
The project will cover approximately 172.6 hectares, including nearly 147 hectares of land and around 25.7 hectares of water area in front of the berths.
Construction is scheduled to unfold in three phases from 2026 to 2036, gradually adding terminal assets, hinterland facilities and supporting logistics infrastructure.
The two partners are not new to the Vietnamese market. APM Terminals and Hateco have previously worked together on projects in Haiphong, in the north of the country.
Once completed, Lien Chieu is expected to serve as a major international gateway for central Vietnam. Authorities believe it will reduce pressure on Tien Sa Port while supporting logistics, trade and supply chain development across Danang, the Central region and the Central Highlands.
The project also fits into a broader regional development push. The Danang Free Trade Zone, the first of its kind in Vietnam, was announced in mid-2025, while the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Danang officially began operations in early 2026.
