Revolutionary Sea Bridge Project Connecting Can Gio and Vung Tau Announced by Ministry of Construction

Recently, the Ministry of Construction has issued a document in response to the proposal from Ho Chi Minh City voters regarding the investment and development of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port.

Specifically, Ho Chi Minh City voters proposed that the government expedite the development of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port into an international transshipment hub. They also suggested constructing a bridge connecting Can Gio and Vung Tau, along with a high-speed railway linking Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria, and Binh Duong. These initiatives aim to leverage transportation connectivity to enhance export-import activities and logistics services.

Regarding the proposal to develop the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port into an international transshipment hub, the Ministry of Construction stated that according to the Master Plan and Adjusted Master Plan for the Development of Vietnam’s Seaport System, as well as the Detailed Planning for Vietnam’s Seaport Groups for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, the Cai Mep terminal area (including Cai Mep Ha and Cai Mep Ha lower stream) within the Ba Ria – Vung Tau seaport is designated as a gateway and international transshipment port.

The port will feature berths for container ships ranging from 6,000 to 24,000 TEU or larger when conditions allow, as well as general cargo and liquid/gas vessels up to 150,000 tons or larger with suitable load reduction for maritime route operations.

By 2030, the port is planned to include 7 berths (17-18 piers) for container ships up to 24,000 TEU or larger; 2 berths (4 piers) for general cargo and bulk vessels up to 150,000 tons or larger; and the Cai Mep Ha lower stream area will be developed based on the demand for international container transshipment as committed by investors and in alignment with connected infrastructure. By 2050, the Cai Mep Ha terminal is expected to have approximately 17 piers.

To transform the Cai Mep terminal into an international transshipment hub, the Ministry of Construction supports the urgent investment and operationalization of the Cai Mep Ha and Cai Mep Ha lower stream areas as per the approved detailed seaport planning.

Currently, the Ministry of Finance and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City are appraising the investment proposal dossier for the Cai Mep Ha and Cai Mep Ha lower stream terminal construction project for approval and submission to the competent authority. The Ministry of Construction has also provided its opinion during the appraisal process.

Investment plan for the Can Gio – Vung Tau bridge construction

Regarding the construction of the Can Gio – Vung Tau bridge, the Ministry of Construction noted that this project falls under the jurisdiction of the new Ho Chi Minh City and is not part of the national highway or expressway system managed by the Ministry.

Therefore, the Ministry of Construction recommends that the Ho Chi Minh City National Assembly Delegation advise the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to update the Can Gio – Vung Tau bridge in the city’s planning (post-merger) for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and to take the lead in implementing the investment according to their authority.

Regarding the proposed high-speed railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria, and Binh Duong, according to the Railway Network Planning for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, the area includes the planned North-South high-speed railway (a project already approved by the National Assembly); the Ho Chi Minh City – Loc Ninh railway; the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau railway; and the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway lines.

Currently, the Ministry of Construction has tasked the Vietnam Railways Agency with developing the Planning for Railway Lines and Stations in the Ho Chi Minh City Hub Area; reviewing and adjusting the Railway Network Planning for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050; and has assigned the Railway Project Management Unit to prepare the feasibility study report for the North-South high-speed railway and other railway projects.

Therefore, the Ministry of Construction requests that the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City direct relevant agencies to closely coordinate with the Vietnam Railways Agency and the Railway Project Management Unit during implementation to ensure consistency and synchronization between central and local planning, meeting the socio-economic development needs of the region.