The Mekong Delta (MD) has long been known as the country’s granary and abundant seafood region, contributing up to 40% of Vietnam’s agricultural production value to import and export activities. However, a paradox exists: 75% of the region’s import and export goods are transported by road, putting pressure on transportation infrastructure and increasing logistics costs. In this context, effectively harnessing the waterway transport potential of the MD, especially the transport route connecting to major seaports like Cai Mep and Cat Lai, has become more urgent than ever. This article will analyze the outstanding benefits of this potential waterway transport route, particularly in optimizing cargo transportation by trucks from Tien Giang and other MD provinces to Cat Lai and vice versa.
Outstanding Benefits of the Cat Lai – Tien Giang Waterway Transport Route
Currently, goods from the MD destined for export or transshipment often have to take detours through existing river routes or rely heavily on roads to reach ports in the Ho Chi Minh City and Cai Mep – Thi Vai areas. This not only increases transportation costs but also prolongs transit times, causes traffic congestion, and increases emissions. The new waterway transport route, connecting the MD with deep-sea ports Cai Mep and Cat Lai via the Quan Chanh Bo canal, is expected to bring about a revolution in the region’s logistics industry.
According to the Vietnam Ship Agents and Brokers Association (Visaba), this new waterway transport route can shorten the transportation distance from the MD to Cai Mep and Cat Lai to just about 200km. This translates to a significant reduction in transportation costs, estimated to decrease from VND 7 million/TEU to about VND 3 million/TEU, a logistics cost reduction of 60-70%. In addition, transportation time will also be shortened, helping goods circulate faster, minimizing risks, and increasing competitiveness for businesses.
Another significant benefit of waterway transport is its ability to reduce the load on roads. With a large volume of goods shifted to waterways, the pressure on national highways, especially routes connecting Tien Giang and other MD provinces to Cat Lai, will be significantly reduced. This not only helps reduce traffic congestion and accidents but also extends the lifespan of road infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs. Particularly for trucking businesses in Tien Giang, reducing congestion on major roads will help optimize transportation time and efficiency.
Cai Mep and Cat Lai Ports: Direct Import-Export Gateways for Mekong Delta Goods
Cai Mep deep-sea port has affirmed its role as Vietnam’s direct import-export gateway to the world, capable of receiving large mother vessels going directly to Europe and America without transshipment through other regional ports. Connecting the MD to Cai Mep via the new waterway transport route will help agricultural and seafood products from the region directly access international markets quickly and efficiently.
Cat Lai Port, strategically located at the eastern gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the largest container ports in Vietnam. Cat Lai plays a crucial role in domestic and international cargo transshipment, especially in the Southern region. The waterway transport route connecting the MD to Cat Lai will facilitate the transportation of goods from the MD to Cat Lai for distribution to provinces and cities nationwide, or vice versa, receiving goods from Cat Lai back to the MD. The combination of waterway and truck transport will create an efficient multimodal logistics system, meeting the diverse transportation needs of the region.
Synchronous Solutions for Efficient Operation of the Cat Lai – Tien Giang Waterway Transport Route
To maximize the effectiveness of the model waterway transport route connecting the MD with Cai Mep and Cat Lai, comprehensive and synchronous solutions are needed. First and foremost, investment is required in specialized fleets, especially SB barges capable of carrying 200-300 containers, suitable for operating on the Quan Chanh Bo canal and river routes in the MD. These barges need to be designed to optimize container handling capabilities, ensuring maritime safety and economic efficiency.
In addition, upgrading port and ICD (inland container depot) infrastructure in the MD region is also crucial. Ports such as Giao Long (Ben Tre), My Tho (Tien Giang), Mekong (Vinh Long), Cao Lanh, Sa Dec (Dong Thap), My Thoi (An Giang), Thot Not, Tra Noc, Cai Cui (Can Tho), Vinalines Hau Giang… need investment in upgrading loading and unloading equipment, warehouses, and management systems to meet the increasing demand for cargo reception and handling. Simultaneously, it is necessary to develop logistics centers and satellite depots at strategic locations in the MD region to collect and consolidate goods from industrial parks and agricultural production areas, facilitating waterway transportation.
Regarding policy, the State needs to have supportive mechanisms to encourage businesses to participate in exploiting the new waterway transport route in the initial phase, possibly preferential policies on fees, charges, taxes, or investment support for fleets and infrastructure. This will help reduce risks for businesses, create motivation for them to boldly invest and exploit the route, contributing to promoting the development of the waterway transport and logistics industry in the MD region.
Conclusion
The waterway transport route connecting the MD with Cai Mep and Cat Lai ports via the Quan Chanh Bo canal opens up a new and potential direction for the region’s logistics industry. With outstanding benefits in terms of cost, time, road load reduction, and direct connection to major import-export gateways, this route promises to be an optimal transport solution for goods from the MD, especially provinces like Tien Giang, to Cat Lai and other key economic areas. To realize this potential, the joint efforts and coordination of all levels and sectors are needed, from investing in infrastructure and fleets to developing supportive policies, creating favorable conditions for businesses to effectively exploit the Cat Lai – Tien Giang waterway transport route, contributing to promoting socio-economic development of the MD region and the country.
