Ba Ria – Vung Tau, February 17, 2025 – Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) proudly welcomed the inaugural vessel of the EC3 service, operated by the Premier Alliance. The ONE EAGLE, with a capacity of 14,000 TEUs, was the first vessel to call at TCIT under this newly structured alliance. This milestone marks a significant step in the strategic collaboration between TCIT and the member carriers of Premier Alliance, creating new connectivity opportunities that enable businesses to leverage competitive advantages in global trade. The event also underscores Vietnam’s growing importance as a key logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region, with TCIT handling over 1.9 million TEUs in 2024 alone.
Premier Alliance, established in February 2025, emerged from the restructuring of THE Alliance and comprises three major carriers: Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming. The alliance operates a fleet of over 300 container vessels, boasting a total capacity of 3 million TEUs across 24 key trade lanes. These routes connect major shipping corridors, including Asia-Europe, Transpacific, and the Mediterranean, ensuring optimized transit times, cost-efficient shipping solutions, and supply chain reliability.
TCIT: A Key Partner in the Premier Alliance’s Strategy
As one of Vietnam’s leading container terminals, TCIT is strategically located to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) of up to 20,000 TEUs, thanks to its berth length of 890 meters and channel depth of -16.5 meters. The terminal consistently delivers best-in-class operational efficiency, achieving 33 crane moves per hour per quay crane, enabling faster vessel turnaround and seamless cargo flow
Vietnam’s trade volume has surged in recent years, with total exports valued at $356 billion in 2024, making the country one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. TCIT plays a critical role in facilitating this growth, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced cargo handling capabilities, and seamless multimodal connectivity to key industrial zones and manufacturing hubs across southern Vietnam.
Lieutenant Colonel Truong Tan Loc, Chairman of TCIT, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Since February 2025, we have witnessed significant changes as major alliances, including Premier, restructure and redefine the global maritime landscape. With a strategic location, top-tier container handling capacity, and a strong regional logistics network, TCIT offers optimal transportation and connectivity solutions that enhance carrier efficiency and competitiveness. In 2024 alone, TCIT handled over 500 vessel calls, solidifying its role as a vital hub for international trade.”
ONE and Premier Alliance’s Commitment to Vietnam’s Trade Growth
Mr. Shotaro Ikeda, General Director of ONE (Vietnam), reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment: “Moving forward, ONE and our partners will continue strengthening cooperation with TCIT to provide the best shipping services, promote Vietnam’s trade with key global markets, and create greater value for our customers.”
The arrival of the first vessel under the EC3 service at TCIT, one of the four core services of the Premier Alliance alongside PS3, FP2, and MS2, underscores the long-term partnership between TCIT and the alliance members. This expanded network will allow businesses to benefit from more efficient shipping schedules and cost-effective solutions, reinforcing Vietnam’s position in global trade. In 2024, Vietnam’s container throughput exceeded 24 million TEUs, reflecting the country’s growing role in global supply chains.
Expanding Logistics Capabilities for the Future
Currently, TCIT handles 10 weekly international services, directly linking Vietnam to key markets such as North America, Europe, and intra-Asia. Looking ahead, TCIT plans to expand its operations beyond its role as a deep-water container terminal and international transshipment hub. Future investments will focus on post-terminal logistics services such as Depots and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the Cai Mep area, further enhancing its ability to provide comprehensive logistics solutions. By 2026, TCIT aims to expand its depot network by 40%, ensuring better service coverage for importers and exporters.
Additionally, TCIT is set to integrate green port initiatives, including the adoption of shore power technology, energy-efficient equipment, and waste management solutions to minimize environmental impact. With a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions targeted by 2030, TCIT aligns with global sustainability trends and Vietnam’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the logistics sector.
The integration of digitalization and smart port solutions is also a key focus. TCIT has implemented an AI-driven smart cargo tracking system, allowing real-time visibility for shippers and consignees. Automated gate systems and blockchain-based documentation handling have further streamlined port operations, reducing paperwork and waiting times by up to 50%.
Strengthening Vietnam’s Global Trade Competitiveness
Vietnam’s logistics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% through 2030, driven by rising foreign investment and manufacturing expansion. With its strategic location in the Cai Mep – Thi Vai port complex, TCIT is well-positioned to support this growth by offering superior connectivity, handling efficiency, and value-added logistics services. The port’s proximity to key industrial zones such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City enables rapid cargo movement, reducing inland transportation costs by up to 20% compared to alternative routes.
In collaboration with Premier Alliance, TCIT is also supporting Vietnam’s export sector, particularly in industries such as textiles, electronics, and seafood. The EC3 service enhances market access for Vietnamese goods to the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, reducing transit times by 5-7 days compared to traditional routes. With Vietnam’s exports to the US surpassing $123 billion in 2024, efficient maritime connectivity is more crucial than ever.
With its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and strategic growth, TCIT remains the trusted gateway for the Premier Alliance and a key driver of Vietnam’s maritime trade development. As global trade patterns evolve, TCIT continues to position itself as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s logistics infrastructure, fostering long-term partnerships and driving economic growth in the region.
Source: Phaata.com
