DP World, in partnership with VIMC Container Lines Joint Stock Company (VIMC Lines) has launched the Mekong Express, a new domestic sea-river transport route connecting the Can Tho (Cai Cui) and Cai Mep ports.
Operating twice a week, the barge service reduces transit times of 48 hours by the river ways to just 15 hours via a combination of river and sea routes, a 70% improvement. While the previous journey covers approximately 367 km, the coastal route is significantly shorter at around 200 km, making it a faster, more sustainable and cost-effective solution for cargo owners across Vietnam.
The Mekong Express completed its inaugural journey today, marking the official launch of the service with a ceremony attended by Eisa Alhammadi, the representative from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Vietnam, Nguyen Ngoc He, Member of the Party Committee of Can Tho City and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, as well as senior executives from DP World and VIMC Lines.
Designed to support dry and cold chain logistics, the Mekong Express can transport up to several hundred TEUs per voyage and is capable of handling a large number of refrigerated containers. The partners plan to expand the route to include a call at the Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT), which is operated by DP World and a call at Saigon Hiep Phuoc Port under the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC).
The new service is also a more sustainable alternative to road transport, generating 60% less carbon emissions. Equipped with real-time digital cargo tracking and carbon monitoring, DP World and VIMC Lines expect the service to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2026.
Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, DP World, said: “DP World is committed to building a seamless, integrated supply chain ecosystem in Vietnam, an increasingly important market for trade in the Asia Pacific region and globally. With the Mekong Express, we are responding to demand for a more efficient and reliable service. This will help support economic development not just within southern Vietnam but throughout the country. The launch of this new coastal logistics service also marks a major step in our expansion in Vietnam, complementing our ongoing operation of Saigon Premier Container Terminal.”
Dr. Le Quang Trung – Deputy CEO of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), Chairman of the Board of Directors of Can Tho Port Joint Stock Company said: “VIMC is proud to launch and operate the Mekong Express service, a service which brings new levels of efficiency and reliability to Vietnam’s domestic logistics landscape. The collaboration between VIMC Lines and DP World Vietnam in this service reflects our shared commitment to advancing and innovating new solutions for customers in the country. We look forward to continue expanding international cooperation in order to unlock greater value for businesses and strengthen the country’s supply chain resilience.”
Expanding DP World’s Footprint in Vietnam
South Vietnam, home to the Mekong Delta Key Economic Region (MDKER) and the Southern Key Economic Region (SKER), has become the engine of Vietnam’s manufacturing and export economy. By enhancing connectivity between these strategically vital zones, the Mekong Express will strengthen Vietnam’s role in regional and global logistics networks.
DP World currently operates the Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) in Ho Chi Minh City, with an annual capacity of 400,000 TEUs and the only roll-on/roll-off port in Southern Vietnam. The company also has its corporate office in Ho Chi Minh, and three other freight forwarding offices at Can Tho, Haiphong, and Hanoi.
