Boosting connectivity to Dong Nai’s largest seaport

Phuoc An is the largest seaport in Dong Nai province and began phased operations in late 2024. This port is expected to become a strategic link in Dong Nai and the Southeast region’s logistics chain.

However, to maximize its investment effectiveness, the port urgently needs to overcome transportation‑infrastructure bottlenecks and develop a cohesive and efficient logistics ecosystem.

Cargo transshipment operations at Phuoc An port.

A strategic seaport for the province and region

The Phuoc An Port investment project spans over 164 hectares in Phuoc An commune with a total investment exceeding VND 11 trillion, developed in three phases. The port includes nine berths stretching approximately 2.8 km, capable of accommodating vessels of 30,000–60,000 tons.

Accordingly, Phase 1 was completed and became operational in December 2024. Currently, the port receives about 20 international vessels per month, serviced by major shipping lines such as MSC, WANHAI, SITC, and ZIM. Phase 2 has finished container terminal infrastructure, and Phase 3 is scheduled for mid‑2026 to include general cargo and container berths.

Truong Hoang Hai, CEO of Phuoc An Port Investment and Development JSC, stated that the port’s strategic location on the Thi Vai river provides direct maritime access to the East Sea and is adjacent to key industrial zones in Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh city, ideal for attracting and transloading cargo. Notably, the port is located less than 30 km from Long Thanh International Airport, which is expected to be substantially completed by late 2025 and operational for commercial flights by mid‑2026. This proximity makes a multimodal logistics chain particularly feasible.

According to the Ministry of Construction's report in early 2025, Dong Nai has 19 seaports under Vietnam’s national system, with Phuoc An port being the largest, spanning over 164 hectares with an investment of over VND 11 trillion and designed for 30,000–60,000 DWT vessels.

Mr Hai also confirmed that all legal procedures, including investment licensing, environmental deposits, and periodic reporting, have been fully complied with. Moreover, the project benefits from investment incentives and robust provincial-level support.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Thi Hoang of the provincial People’s Committee noted that Phuoc An port is one of the province’s major hopes for developing trade, services, logistics, and freight transport. Although operational for just six months, its reception of international vessels and initial cargo transshipment has shown very promising signals. The province expects the port to leverage its advantages to attract more domestic and international shipping lines.

After a recent inspection of the port, Mr. Le Hoang Hai, standing member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, emphasized: “Having a major seaport located inland and in close proximity to many industrial parks is a key strategic

advantage.” However, he also pointed out that poor transport connectivity remains a significant constraint, directly affecting the port’s operational efficiency. He stated he would recommend the Dong Nai provincial authorities and the Ministry of Industry and Trade take prompt action to make necessary adjustments, allowing the port to fully realize its potential and make a stronger contribution to the region’s socio-economic development.

Infrastructure needed to break the “single‑route” bottleneck

Phuoc An Port is poised to become a leading logistics hub in Dong Nai and Southeast region of Vietnam. Despite attracting numerous international shipping lines, the port faces a critical challenge: its current access depends on a single connecting road, creating a “single‑route” bottleneck in traffic flow and limiting operational efficiency.

At a recent meeting with the provincial National Assembly delegation, Mr. Truong Hoang Hai proposed several mitigation measures including widening the access road linking the Ben Luc–Long Thanh expressway to the port and completing the junction infrastructure; expanding the port access road from 61 m to 120 m; and adding an auxiliary 6–8 lane route to reduce traffic conflicts.

The company also recommended planning a parallel route alongside the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway to boost transport capacity, and creating a 40‑hectare commercial‑service zone behind the port to develop a closed logistics ecosystem. Another key proposal involves relocating the Phu My–Ho Chi Minh city gas pipeline away from the port and its access route to ensure operational safety. They also suggested approving investment in the Phuoc An industrial zone to synergize with the port, thereby creating a new economic growth engine for the province and region.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Thi Hoang acknowledged these proposals. Some have already been adjusted by provincial authorities, while others will be considered for inclusion in the ongoing revision of Dong Nai’s 2021–2030 provincial master plan with a vision to 2050. Strategic, long‑term recommendations will be evaluated for planning alignment and budget allocation.

According to provincial leader, Long Thanh International Airport is central to all regional infrastructure planning, including transport links. Adding connectivity routes to optimize investment in both the airport and the seaport is imperative. The province is promoting several major projects around the airport, such as a duty‑free commercial zone, concentrated IT park, and large‑scale industrial and industrial cluster zones, offering a significant opportunity to complete the regional transport network and enhance the attractiveness of Phuoc An Port.

Deputy Head of the provincial National Assembly delegation Bui Xuan Thong noted that Phuoc An port plays a vital role in shaping the Southeast region’s logistics system. However, without timely investment in supporting infrastructure, the port will struggle to fulfill its expected role in cargo transshipment. Land‑use planning adjustments and transport infrastructure investment are essential for sustainable development in the coming phase.

Reported by H. Loc