DP World and VIMC Lines Unveil 'Mekong Express' to Enhance Connectivity in Southern Vietnam

According to a recent announcement from DP World,in collaboration with VIMC Container Lines Joint Stock Company (VIMC Lines),the Mekong Express has officially launched. this innovative domestic sea-river transport route links Can Tho (Cai Cui) and Cai Mep ports, offering a fresh approach to logistics in Vietnam.

this new barge service operates twice weekly and considerably cuts down transit times from 48 hours via customary river routes to just 15 hours by utilizing both river and sea pathways—an impressive reduction of about 70%. Instead of the previous journey covering around 367 kilometers, this coastal route is streamlined at approximately 200 kilometers, making it not only quicker but also more environmentally amiable and cost-efficient for cargo owners throughout Vietnam.

The inaugural trip was celebrated today with a ceremony featuring notable attendees such as Mr. Eisa Alhammadi from the UAE Embassy in Vietnam and local officials like Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He from Can Tho City’s People’s Committee, alongside executives from both DP World and VIMC Lines.

The Mekong Express is tailored for dry goods as well as cold chain logistics, boasting the capacity to carry several hundred TEUs per trip while efficiently managing numerous refrigerated containers. Future plans include extending this route to incorporate stops at Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) operated by DP World and Saigon Hiep Phuoc Port under VIMC.In addition to its operational benefits, this service presents a greener choice compared to road transport methods—reducing carbon emissions by up to 60%. With features like real-time digital cargo tracking and carbon monitoring systems in place, both companies aim for net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2026.

glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director for Asia Pacific at DP World remarked on their commitment: “We’re focused on creating an integrated supply chain ecosystem within Vietnam—a key player in global trade dynamics. The Mekong Express addresses the need for efficiency while supporting economic growth across southern Vietnam.”

Dr. Le Quang Trung of VIMC echoed these sentiments: “We are excited about launching the Mekong Express service which enhances reliability within our domestic logistics framework. Our partnership with DP World signifies our dedication towards innovation that benefits customers nationwide.”

By bolstering connections between vital economic regions like the Mekong Delta Key Economic Region (MDKER) and southern Key Economic region (SKER), this initiative positions Vietnam favorably within regional logistics networks.

DP World already manages SPCT in Ho Chi minh City with an annual capacity of around 400,000 TEUs—the only roll-on/roll-off port located in Southern Vietnam—and maintains offices across major cities including Can Tho, Haiphong, Hanoi along with its corporate headquarters situated in Ho Chi Minh City.