APM Terminals to Build $1.8 Billion Terminal in Da Nang

Why It Matters

The terminal expands Vietnam’s maritime capacity, strengthening its role as a Southeast Asian logistics gateway and attracting global shipping lines. It also signals sustained foreign investment in the region’s supply‑chain infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• $1.8 bn investment for 5.7 M TEU capacity.
• 50‑year concession granted to APM Terminals and Hateco.
• First berths operational by 2028, full completion 2035.
• Hub will serve central Vietnam, Laos, transshipment traffic.
• Enhances Vietnam’s position in regional maritime trade.

Pulse Analysis

Da Nang’s strategic location on the central coast makes it a natural extension of Vietnam’s port network, which has traditionally centered on Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. APM Terminals, a global operator with a portfolio spanning 70 terminals, brings operational expertise and capital to the Lieu Chieu project. The $1.8 billion investment aligns with Vietnam’s broader push to modernize its logistics infrastructure, aiming to reduce dwell times and accommodate larger vessels that are reshaping global shipping patterns.

With a design capacity of 5.7 million TEUs, the Da Nang terminal will capture cargo flows from the central provinces and serve as a critical conduit for land‑locked Laos, which relies heavily on Vietnamese ports for imports and exports. The phased rollout—two berths opening in 2028 and full capacity by 2035—allows shipping lines to gradually shift volumes, easing congestion at existing hubs and offering competitive rates. This development also enhances Vietnam’s appeal as a transshipment hub, potentially diverting traffic from rival ports in Thailand and Singapore.

The concession underscores confidence in Vietnam’s regulatory environment and its long‑term growth prospects. As container lines reap record profits from post‑pandemic demand spikes, they are seeking stable, high‑capacity terminals to lock in market share. APM’s partnership with local conglomerate Hateco ensures alignment with domestic priorities while delivering international best practices. The project is poised to stimulate ancillary industries, from truck haulage to warehousing, and could catalyze further foreign direct investment across the region’s supply‑chain ecosystem.