It marks a milestone for the region’s logistics industry since before the deepening of the port, large ships coming from Hai Phong to the Mekong Delta had to berth at HCM City ports for trans-shipment of goods by smaller vessels.

According to the Tan Cang Shipping Company, the direct route will help their customers save a lot of time and money.

It said the Tan Cang Pioneer V1031S had carried 4,500 tonnes of goods.

It came with 35 containers of building materials, and would carry back to Hai Phong 50 containers of agriculture produce from customers in Can Tho, Dong Thap, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, and Ca Mau.

Phung Ngoc Minh, deputy general director of the company, said: “Initially there will be one trip per week on the Hai Phong – Da Nang – Can Tho route. More trips will be added based on demand.”

Upgrade of the 7ha Tan Cang – Cai Cui Port was finished in September, and it can now handle vessels of up to 20,000DWT.

It is the most modern port in the region and helps move goods to the central and northern regions as well as other countries.

The Can Tho customs has opened an office at the port