UN/LOCODE: VNVIC📍 Viet Nam

Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT (UN/LOCODE VNVIC)

❖ Coordinates: 10.7960°N, 106.6721°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Saigon

❖ UN/LOCODE: VNVIC

## About the Port ### Location & Overview Ho Chi Minh, VICT (Vietnam International Container Port – HCMC) is the primary deep‑water gateway for southern Vietnam, operating under the UN/LOCODE **VNVIC**. Situated at **10.796011 °N, 106.6721498 °E** in Hồ Chí Minh City, the port lies in the heart of the Pearl River Delta and serves as a critical node on the **Asia/Saigon** timezone (UTC+7). Managed by the Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA), VICT handles a mix of containerized, dry‑bulk, and liquid cargo, with a design draft of up to 15 m to accommodate vessels up to 20 000 TEU. The port’s official website (https://www.vict.com.vn) provides real‑time berthing schedules and trade statistics. ### UN/LOCODE & Identifier The UN/LOCODE **VNVIC** uniquely identifies the port for international logistics systems, ensuring seamless data exchange with global carrier information systems (CIS) and customs platforms. This code is essential for electronic data interchange (EDI) in freight forwarding, vessel tracking, and port‑state control reporting. --- ## History ### Early Days – Colonial Foundations The origins of Ho Chi Minh’s maritime activity trace back to the 17th century when the Saigon River’s natural harbor facilitated French colonial trade. The French built a rudimentary quay in 1860, establishing a modest port that handled primarily rice and indigo. By the early 20th century, the facility expanded to support the growing rubber and coffee exports that defined Indochina’s economy. ### Post‑Independence Expansion After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, the port came under state‑directed development. The 1980s saw the construction of deeper berths and the introduction of crane‑based handling equipment, aligning with the Doi Moi reforms that opened Vietnam to foreign investment. By 1990, annual cargo throughput surpassed 10 million tons, reflecting the nation’s gradual integration into global shipping lanes. ### Modernization & VICT Era The turning point arrived in 2001 when the Vietnamese government awarded a concession to the **Vietnam International Container Port (VICT)** consortium. This public‑private partnership catalyzed the first phase of mega‑infrastructural upgrades, including the construction of two 400‑meter container berths equipped with Gantry Container Handling Cranes (GSCH) and a state‑of‑the‑art Automated Gate System. The second phase, completed in 2015, added a third berth capable of berthing Ultra‑Large Container Vessels (ULCV) up to 16 000 TEU, positioning Ho Chi Minh among the top twenty container ports in Asia. Further expansion plans, approved in 2022, target an additional 5 million TEU capacity by 2030, emphasizing automation and green technologies. A comprehensive overview of the port’s legal framework and operational standards can be found in the UN/LOCODE database entry for **VNVIC** (https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/unlocode/RevisedUnlocode.pdf). --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Container Handling VICT operates three main container berths, each with a maximum depth of 15 m, enabling simultaneous handling of up to 2.5 million TEU annually. The berths are equipped with **Kalmar** container cranes, featuring shiplap stacking capability and real‑time monitoring via the Port Management Information System (PMIS). In 2023, the terminal achieved a average vessel turnaround time of 18 hours, a benchmark for the region. ### Cargo Handling Equipment Beyond containers, the port maintains a robust fleet of **Gantry Type Unloader (GTU)** machines for bulk commodities such as coal, clinker, and grain. Liquid bulk operations are serviced by two deep‑water tanks capable of handling petroleum products and chemicals, compliant with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The facility also boasts a modern **Container Freight Station (CFS)** with temperature‑controlled storage for perishable goods, supporting Vietnam’s growing agri‑export sector. ### Inland Connectivity VICT’s hinterland network integrates seamlessly with the national railway and road grid. The **North‑South Railway** (line 2) provides direct link to the port’s container yard, while the Ho Chi Minh City–Vũng Tàu Highway offers rapid access to the southern industrial corridor. The upcoming **Long Thanh Multi‑Modal Transport Hub** (expected operational in 2027) will further enhance connectivity, reducing inland freight times by an estimated 30 %. ### Environmental & Safety Features In response to tightening maritime environmental regulations, VICT has implemented a **Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS)** on all berthing vessels, achieving compliance with the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention. The port’s Waste Reception Facilities include onshore bunkering for marine diesel, and a dedicated **Oil Spill Response** unit trained under the **ASEAN Marine Pollution Response Cooperation Framework**. These measures underscore VICT’s commitment to sustainable port operations. --- ## Economic Importance ### Role in Vietnam’s Trade Ho Chi Minh, VICT accounts for roughly **45 %** of Vietnam’s total container throughput, serving as the principal gateway for **electronics**, **textiles**, and **processed foods**. In 2023, the port facilitated **$28 billion** worth of container trade, representing over **30 %** of Vietnam’s export‑import value. The port’s strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard also positions it as a pivotal hub for **land bridge** operations linking Europe and the Americas with inland Southeast Asian markets. ### Contribution to GDP According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the port’s direct economic contribution exceeds **$5 billion** annually, generating **≈ 2.5 %** of the nation’s GDP. Indirect impacts arise from ancillary services such as stevedoring, logistics, and customs brokerage, employing an estimated **120,000** people across the Greater Ho Chi Minh area. ### Employment & Regional Impact The port’s operational staff include **3,500** direct employees, ranging from technicians to administrative personnel. The surrounding **Port District** hosts over **250** logistics companies, creating a vibrant ecosystem of warehousing, customs clearance, and distribution centers. Social programs and training initiatives, funded by the port’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) budget, have increased local workforce skill levels, reducing reliance on foreign labor for technical roles. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Inbound Routes Ho Chi Minh, VICT maintains regular calls from major Asian hubs such as **Shanghai**, **Singapore**, ** Busan**, and **Hamburg**. The route to **North Europe** via the **Suez Canal** averages 38 days, while North American services typically transit the Panama Canal, adding 12–14 days. In 2023, the port welcomed **1,200** vessel calls, with **380** of them classified as **Ultra‑Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)**. ### Outbound Routes Primary outbound services target **West Coast USA**, **Gulf of Mexico**, **Rotterdam**, and **Le Havre**. The **North – South Corridor** (Asia‑Europe) remains the most profitable lane, contributing **≈ 55 %** of total container revenue. Emerging routes to **East Africa** and **South America** are being developed, leveraging VICT’s enhanced berthing capacity and the upcoming **Panama Canal Expansion** to accommodate larger vessels. ### Major Cargo Types - **Containers**: Dominating the port’s traffic with an annual average of **2.1 million TEU**. Electronics (iPhones, semiconductors), garments, and home appliances comprise the bulk of container exports, while imports include raw materials for manufacturing and consumer goods. - **Dry Bulk**: Coal (for power generation), clinker, and grain are handled through specialized GTUs. The port’s bulk facilities recorded **3.5 million tons** of dry bulk in 2023, supporting Vietnam’s energy security and food import requirements. - **Liquid Bulk**: Refined petroleum, chemicals, and vegetable oils are processed through the deep‑water tank system. Annual liquid bulk throughput reached **2.8 million tons**, underscoring the port’s role in Vietnam’s energy logistics. ### Recent Trends Automation and digitalization are shaping VICT’s future. The **Port Management Information System (PMIS)** now integrates vessel tracking, cargo status, and customs clearance via a unified API, reducing documentation processing time by **40 %**. Additionally, the port has signed a **green shipping lane** agreement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote the use of **marine gas oil** and **ballast water treatment**, aligning with Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. --- The convergence of strategic geography, modern infrastructure, and robust trade connectivity ensures that Ho Chi Minh, VICT remains a linchpin of Vietnam’s maritime commerce, driving economic growth and regional integration for years to come.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

VNVIC

Country

Viet Nam

Province / Region

Hồ Chí Minh

Latitude

10.796011

Longitude

106.672150

Timezone

Asia/Saigon

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT is VNVIC.

Where is Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT located?

The Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT is located in Viet Nam, Hồ Chí Minh. Its coordinates are 10.7960°N, 106.6721°E.

What time zone is Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT in?

Port of Ho Chi Minh, VICT operates in the Asia/Saigon time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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