Ministry of Construction allows Cai Mep – Thi Vai to receive passenger ships until 2026

The Ministry of Construction has just issued a document approving the policy of continuing to receive international passenger ships at some ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City seaport until June 30, 2026, after the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration issued a document requesting to ensure international cruise tourism activities take place smoothly and without interruption.

The Ministry of Construction has just issued a document approving the policy of continuing to receive international passenger ships at some ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City seaport until June 30, 2026.

On October 17, the Ministry of Construction sent a document to the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration approving the policy of continuing to receive international passenger ships at some ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area, belonging to Ho Chi Minh City seaport.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Construction agreed to allow the continued reception of international passenger ships at Thi Vai wharf, Thi Vai international passenger wharf, TCTT, SSIT, TCIT, PTSC Phu My, Phu My petroleum and gas service wharf, SP-PSA and SITV... These are the wharfs that have been receiving tourist ships in the past. The approved period is extended to June 30, 2026 to take advantage of existing seaport infrastructure, meeting the needs of developing cruise tourism in the region and the whole country.

The Ministry of Construction requested the Vietnam Maritime Administration to coordinate with relevant units to agree on specific contents according to specialized regulations; guide and supervise port enterprises to arrange equipment and plans to ensure safety for passengers and wharf works, maritime security, fire prevention and fighting, and environmental protection. At the same time, port enterprises must complete procedures to add port functions to receive international passenger ships for official announcement before June 30, 2026.

Previously, many tourism businesses and international cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean expressed concern when the reception of international cruise ships at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster was suddenly stopped, affecting the tour and destination plans of tens of thousands of tourists. Royal Caribbean - the world's leading cruise group said that in 2024, it had conducted 80 cruises to Vietnam and expected to increase to 100 cruises in 2025. The interruption in receiving cruise ships could directly affect the image and revenue of cruise tourism in Vietnam.

According to tourism businesses in Ho Chi Minh City, the approval document of the Ministry of Construction is considered a positive signal, promptly removing arising problems, and at the same time affirming the companionship of State management agencies in promoting the development of international cruise tourism - a field that is considered a "new driving force" for the tourism economy of Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/bo-xay-dung-cho-phep-cai-mep-thi-vai-don-tau-khach-den-nam-2026-20251017203856282.htm