DP World, in partnership with VIMC Container Lines (VIMC Lines), has launched the Mekong Express, a new domestic sea-river transport route connecting Vietnam’s Can Tho (Cai Cui) and Cai Mep ports.
Operating twice a week, the barge service aims to reduce transit times of 48 hours by the river ways to just 15 hours via a combination of river and sea routes, representing a 70% improvement.
While the previous journey covers approximately 367 km, the coastal route is significantly shorter at around 200 km, making it a faster, more sustainable and cost-effective solution for cargo owners across Vietnam, noted DP World in a statement.
The Mekong Express completed its inaugural journey on 30 May, marking the official launch of the service with a ceremony attended by Eisa Alhammadi, the representative from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Vietnam, Nguyen Ngoc He, Member of the Party Committee of Can Tho City and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, as well as senior executives from DP World and VIMC Lines.
Designed to support dry and cold chain logistics, the Mekong Express can transport up to 700 TEUs per voyage and is capable of handling a large number of refrigerated containers. The partners plan to expand the route to include a call at the Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) in Vietnam, which is operated by DP World, and a call at Saigon Hiep Phuoc Port under the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC).
The new service is also a more sustainable alternative to road transport, generating 60% less carbon emissions. Equipped with real-time digital cargo tracking and carbon monitoring, DP World and VIMC Lines expect the service to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2026.
Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, DP World, said: “With the Mekong Express, we are responding to demand for a more efficient and reliable service. This will help support economic development not just within southern Vietnam but throughout the country. The launch of this new coastal logistics service also marks a major step in our expansion in Vietnam, complementing our ongoing operation of Saigon Premier Container Terminal.”
