The project is designed to position Vietnam as a regional container hub. The city's People's Committee issued investor approval on April 13, following a Prime Ministerial policy signed in January 2025 and special mechanisms granted by the National Assembly. Terminal Investment Limited Holding SA, the terminal arm of Geneva-based MSC, holds 49 per cent, Vietnam Maritime Corporation 36 per cent and Saigon Port JSC 15 per cent.

The consortium will contribute 15 per cent of the investment directly, with the remainder raised from other sources. MSC, which moves more than 23 million TEU annually, already serves terminals in Hai Phong, Da Nang and Cai Mep-Thi Vai, carrying over one million TEU of Vietnamese trade each year.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 30 at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi port, timed to the 51st anniversary of Vietnam's reunification. The port will cover 571 hectares on Go Con Cho Islet, with a 7.5 km quay. Capacity is set at 4.8 million TEU by 2030, rising to 16.9 million TEU by 2047.

The first phase will include two to four berths for vessels up to 250,000 tons, equivalent to 24,000-TEU ships. Expansion could eventually bring 13 berths. Investors are barred from transferring the project for 10 years, must disburse at least VND50 trillion in the first decade and complete construction within 20 years.

Once at full capacity, Can Gio is projected to generate VND34-40 trillion in annual revenue and create 6,000-8,000 direct jobs. Authorities expect the port to strengthen Vietnam's role in global logistics.

The port is part of a wider development push including a 2,870-hectare coastal urban area, the Ben Thanh-Can Gio metro line, the Can Gio bridge and new road links to integrate the hub into Ho Chi Minh City's transport network.