The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Do Van Chien, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh; H.E. Mr. Nicolai Prytz, Ambassador of Denmark; as well as leaders from various ministries, central agencies, and the Hai Phong city government and other provinces.

The HHIT project encompasses Berths No. 5 and No. 6 at Lach Huyen Port Area (Hai Phong), invested in by Hateco Group. It was approved under Decision No. 299, dated March 4, 2021, and adjusted by Decision No. 186, dated February 11, 2022, by the Prime Minister. This is the first deep-water port infrastructure project in Vietnam funded entirely by the private sector. It represents a historic milestone for Vietnam's maritime industry, playing a vital role in enhancing international trade and driving economic growth in the northern region and the entire nation.

Construction began in August 2022. With over 1,500 workers and cooperation from 100 contractors and consulting firms, the project was executed continuously for over 30 months and completed two months ahead of schedule. The successful delivery of Berths No. 5 and No. 6 not only demonstrates Hateco Group’s commitment to executing nationally significant projects but also showcases its financial strength, execution capacity, and quality control capabilities on a large scale, contributing substantially to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

"With strategic vision and steadfast determination, immediately after receiving the Prime Minister’s approval, Hateco mobilized all available resources and worked closely with domestic and international contractors and consultants to implement all components rigorously and in full compliance with legal regulations. The official operation of Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal marks a significant achievement for a private enterprise like Hateco in contributing to national socio-economic development,” stated Mr. Tran Van Ky, Chairman of the Board of Hateco Group.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tho, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee, praised Hateco's efforts in accelerating the project's completion and commencement. He reaffirmed the city’s continued support for both domestic and international investors, particularly in maritime and port infrastructure development in Lach Huyen area.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Deputy Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee and Chairman of Hai Phong People's Committee, presented a Certificate of Merit to Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal for its significant contributions to the city’s socio-economic advancement.

Spanning nearly 73 hectares, with a 900-meter main berth and a 300-meter barge berth, HHIT can simultaneously accommodate two of the world’s largest container vessels. It boasts an annual handling capacity of 2.2 million TEU, affirming its position as the largest and most advanced deep-water port in Northern Vietnam.

The port is equipped with 10 STS (ship-to-shore) cranes capable of reaching 24 container rows and 36 electric e-RTGs for fast, accurate, and energy-efficient operations. A system of 1,350 reefer plugs supports cold chain logistics, ensuring uninterrupted storage of perishable goods.

At HHIT, technical infrastructure and data infrastructure operate in parallel, enabling real-time monitoring and comprehensive operational control. The Operations Center (OC) supervises and handles all incidents in real-time. The entire system is managed through an integrated Terminal Operating System (TOS) connected to CCTV, QR code control, OCR recognition, and smart security alerts to ensure seamless and optimized operations.

Notably, HHIT is the first port in Vietnam to implement the Truck Appointment System (TAS), enabling drivers to schedule port visits in advance, thereby reducing waiting time and enhancing operational efficiency.

APM Terminals, a member of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, is Hateco’s strategic partner in the project. Together with other local and international partners, they have successfully transferred technology to develop a "Smart & Green Port" model - equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that meet international standards for efficiency, safety, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability.

During the ceremony, Hateco Group also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with APM Terminals to establish a strategic partnership in Vietnam’s port and logistics sector. The cooperation focuses on two main areas:

1. Port Development and Operations - including joint efforts in investment, design, and operational performance to improve the capacity of Vietnam’s port infrastructure.
2. Logistics Integration - aligning port operations with logistics to strengthen connectivity between ports, logistics hubs, and domestic transport networks, creating seamless supply chain solutions and leveraging synergies.

Mr. Robert Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller-Maersk, commented, “With cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and a capacity to serve the largest vessels on the seas, HHIT positions Haiphong—and Vietnam—as a critical hub in global trade. When we combine Hateco’s deep local roots with Maersk’s global shipping, port, and logistics expertise, we create something transformative. As we look ahead, Maersk is committed to deepening our collaboration with Vietnam and with Hateco. Together, we will look to explore innovations in port operations, logistics networks, and sustainable solutions that would benefit the Vietnamese economy.”

Also in attendance, Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz emphasized, “HHIT is a powerful example of a formidable innovative partnership in the endeavor to build an extremely efficient operational port. However, it is also a significant contribution to Vietnam’s goal when it comes to the green transition, given the ambitious focus on sustainability through its state-of-the-art green technologies, automated systems, and steadfast commitment to the environment and emission reduction.”

By partnering with one of the world’s leading port operators, Hateco has affirmed its position as a prominent Vietnamese private enterprise capable of delivering internationally scaled infrastructure projects. Following this success in the north, Hateco plans to expand its investment in international port projects in central and southern Vietnam, forming a comprehensive three-region logistics chain to serve national economic growth and future generations.