Vinalines will build large logistics center in Hanoi

News broke on the planned logistics center on the heals of the announcement that the 18,300-TEU Margrethe Maersk, docked at the Cai Mep International Terminal Monday, the largest ship to ever frequent Vietnam.    Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) will build a large logistics center in Hanoi that will connect to major seaports such as Haiphong, Dinh Vu, and Lach Hüven through an inland waterway system, according to a report from Thoi Bao Taichinh.
   Shippers using the center, located in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi, would move cargo to and from inland locations such as Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Bac Gian, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Hung Yen and Ha Nam by truck.
   The news comes on the heels of the announcement that the 18,300-TEU Margrethe Maersk, one of Maersk Lines’ “Triple-E” containerships, docked at the Cai Mep International Terminal near Ho Chi Minh City on Monday.
   The Margrethe Maersk is the largest ship to ever call at a port in Vietnam, according to Vinalines.
   Vinalines said the call by the Margrethe Maersk was important because, “In recent years, about 30 percent of Vietnam’s containers destined for faraway markets had to transit ports in Hong Kong (China), Singapore or Malaysia, which has added to the delivery costs and time.”