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APM Terminals has formalised a 49 percent minority shareholding and operating partnership in the Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT) in Haiphong City, Vietnam, deepening a three year collaboration with Hateco Group and extending the terminal’s reach into the Gemini Cooperation network co managed by Maersk and Hapag Lloyd.
The joint venture gives APM Terminals a formal equity position in what is currently the largest and most advanced deepwater container terminal in northern Vietnam. Spanning nearly 73 hectares, with a 900 metre main berth and a 300 metre barge berth, HHIT can simultaneously accommodate two of the world’s largest container vessels and has an annual handling capacity of 2.2 million TEU. The terminal’s integration into the Gemini Cooperation’s East West network means its berths are now accessible to the combined sailing programmes of two of the world’s largest container carriers.
Trade lane access widens
The commercial significance of the deal centres on northern Vietnam’s direct connectivity to European and American markets. The terminal’s two new deep water berths at Lach Huyen port are capable of handling mega vessel services of up to 18,000 TEU. For shippers and freight forwarders moving goods through Haiphong, the arrangement reduces the need to tranship cargo through southern Vietnamese or regional hub ports.
HHIT processed 43,000 transactions representing 76,000 TEU in July 2025 alone, with an average truck turn time of 18 minutes, a figure APM Terminals said compares favourably against turnaround times of over 40 minutes reported at other terminals in the area.
Automation drives early performance
Jon Goldner, Chief Executive Asia and Middle East at APM Terminals, cited the terminal’s operational record as a basis for long term investment. “We believe that the terminal delivers on our promise of providing smarter, greener and faster logistics to deepen and develop trade in the region,” he said.
HHIT is the first port in Vietnam to implement a Truck Appointment System, enabling drivers to schedule port visits in advance, thereby reducing waiting time and enhancing operational efficiency. The facility also features optical character recognition and RFID technology integrated into its automatic gate system, alongside a 5G network and round the clock surveillance.
Tran Van Ky, Chairman of Hateco Group, noted the speed of the project’s delivery. “In just 30 months we went from the vision of having a modern maritime gateway for northern Vietnam to standing here with one of Vietnam’s most efficient and sustainable terminals,” he said.
Vietnam strategy expands
APM Terminals has been active in Vietnam since 2007 through its joint venture in Cai Mep International Terminal in southern Vietnam, making the HHIT stake a northern complement to an established in country position. The two parties also signed a memorandum of understanding to explore further port and logistics investment at potential new locations across Vietnam. Throughout the project, APM Terminals contributed best practices across safety, port automation, artificial intelligence, process optimisation, and decarbonisation.
