“Once we put the new port into service in December 2008 we will have the advantage of two new ports: a feeder port at Cat Lai and a deepsea port at Cep Mai.”

Mr Hoang has dismissed claims that the new port will negate the need for the original up-river Cat Lai terminal, adding: “After the new port is in operation we do not need to close down Cat Lai terminal as we can give lines more options.

“Cat Lai will remain as a feeder terminal and logistics facility.”

Cat Lai, on the Dong Nai River, is currently the biggest port in Vietnam with an average growth rate of 20% per annum, moving 2.2m teu in 2008. It has 973m of berthing for six berths, with 15 cranes, handling 40 moves per hour and simultaneously handling six vessels of up to 2,000 teu each.

An expansion, due to be completed in October 2008, will bring an additional two berths and two new rail-mounted gantry cranes. Quay length is planned to be 1,500 metres by 2010. 

Saigon Newport currently handles 65% of Ho Chi Minh City throughput and 42% of national throughput.