On January 09, 2007, Saigon Newport Company held the construction ceremony for berth No 1 of Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Container Terminal (CMICT) – a project to mark an important milestone in the development of the company.
The Southern Focal Economic Area with 7 provinces was the projected detailed plan for Ports Group No 5 ratified by The Prime Minister under the Decision No 791/ QD-TTG dated August 2005 with 26 port projects. CMICT - first deep seaport to be built in the area – will be able to accommodate vessels with capacity of 80,000 DWT or 6,000 TEUs plus. Together with other terminals in the area, CMICT will foster a tremendous economic growth for the South.
Located in an area 17 nautical miles away from the East Sea and 70 kilometers away from HCM city to the East, positioned in the center of 8 big industrial parks of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with berth length of 890 meters, water depth of 15.40 meters, 60 ha of CY and modern handling equipment, this terminal will become a promising destination for shipping lines, shipping agents, domestic and foreign importers and exporters. The project is to be achieved in two phases. In phase1, 300 meters of berth and 20 ha of CY will be accomplished, and at the same time, investment in modern container handling equipment will be boosted. Phase 1 is expected to be completed and put into operation at the end of 2008. For phase 2, Saigon Newport will complete the remaining 600 meters of berth, 40 ha of CY by a joint venture with foreign partners – the world leading carriers to invest in handling equipment – to launch operation in 2010.
Berth No 1 is a permanent work with 300 meters in length and 45.5 meters in width on the foundation of the pre-stressed concrete piles, diameter of 700 mm and length of 40 meters. Construction is executed by the partnership of three domestic companies: Vietnam Waterway Construction Corporation (VINAWACO), Civil Engineering Construction Joint Stock company 61 (CIENCO 61), Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company No 1 (MCO – most prestigious, capable and experienced berth construction companies in Vietnam, committing to accomplish the project in 18 months. Execution will tightly be supervised by professionals and functional departments of Saigon Newport Company and of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
With an annual throughput growth of 20% plus in Vietnam, the operation of CMICT is bound to meet the booming trade in the South in 2008, partaking in the overall economic development of the country
