Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port to welcome international visitors by mid-2026

The Ministry of Construction has just issued a document approving the policy of continuing to receive international passenger ships at 9 ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area (HCMC) until June 30, 2026, in order to maintain cruise tourism activities and take advantage of existing seaport infrastructure.

On October 17, the Ministry of Construction issued an official dispatch to the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration regarding permission to continue receiving 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 approved the policy of extending the pilot period until June 30, 2026 to take advantage of existing seaport infrastructure and meet the needs of developing cruise tourism in the southern region. This was done based on the proposal of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration after reaching an agreement with relevant agencies and localities.

The Ministry of Construction requested the Vietnam Maritime Administration to guide and supervise port enterprises in reviewing, arranging adequate equipment and developing plans to receive international passenger ships, ensuring passenger safety, port works, fire prevention and fighting, maritime security and environmental protection. At the same time, before June 30, 2026, ports must complete the procedures for adding functions to be officially announced according to regulations.

International cruise ship Spectrum of the Seas once docked at Tan Cang - Cai Mep port.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

According to the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration, in the planning for Vietnam's seaport development to 2030, with a vision to 2050, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area has 24 ports with various functions (specialized, general, container, bulk cargo, liquid cargo...), but there is no function to exploit international passenger ships.

Currently, the planning has a location oriented to be Vung Tau international passenger port, capable of receiving ships up to 225,000 GT, but it has not been invested in construction. Therefore, to maintain the number of international visitors to Vietnam by sea, the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (formerly) and the provincial Department of Tourism have proposed to allow the temporary use of some ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area to receive international passenger ships.

International tourists on board Spectrum of the Seas

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Since 2018, 9 ports in this area have safely welcomed 277 international passenger ships with a total capacity of about 168,000 GT, contributing to maintaining cruise tourism activities in Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region. If the extension is not granted, international tourism businesses and shipping lines may have to cancel or limit itineraries to Vietnamese ports, affecting the reputation of the destination and the strategy of developing cruise tourism.

9 ports in Cai Mep - Thi Vai area are allowed to continue receiving international passenger ships until June 30, 2026:

1. Thi Vai General Port
2. Thi Vai International Passenger Port
3. TCTT Port (Tan Cang - Cai Mep Towage Terminal)
4. SSIT Port (Saigon Shipyard International Terminal)
5. TCIT Port (Tan Cang - Cai Mep International Terminal)
6. PTSC Phu My Port (Petroleum Technical Services Company - Phu My Port)
7. Phu My Fertilizer and Petroleum Services Port
8. Saigon Port - PSA International Terminal
9. SITV Port (Saigon International Terminals Vietnam)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cang-cai-mep-thi-vai-duoc-don-khach-quoc-te-den-giua-nam-2026-185251018094045534.htm