Ho Chi Minh City launches first cross-sea UAV postal route

This is also Vietnam’s first cross-sea UAV postal route.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Can Gio Ferry Terminal.

The launch drew coordination from multiple agencies, including the Ho Chi Minh City High Command, the Region 1 Defense Command, the 370th Air Division, and local authorities in Can Gio Commune and Vung Tau Ward.

A highlight of the ceremony was a UAV flight, during which an actual postal parcel was transported from Can Gio to Vung Tau under the observation of officials and invited guests.

The entire process, from loading and takeoff to the sea crossing, landing, and handover, was livestreamed to demonstrate transparency and technical reliability.

Under the project, Vietnam Post serves as the service provider, responsible for designing operational procedures, setting quality standards, and organizing parcel collection and delivery.

The new route is integrated into Vietnam Post’s logistics system to ensure a seamless ‘one code - one journey’ tracking experience for customers.

The flight path links the takeoff point at Can Gio Ferry Terminal to the landing site at Vung Tau Sea Ferry Terminal along Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau Ward.

Vu Hong Quang, vice-chairman of CT Group, said that the inaugural flight carried a two-kilogram parcel, flying more than 12 kilometers per leg between Can Gio and Vung Tau in 15 minutes.

Quang said the UAV solution is about six times faster than road transport and three times faster than waterway transport.

Compared with a similar model previously deployed in Singapore over a 2.7km distance in seven minutes, the new route is roughly twice as fast, he added.

In the initial phase, Vietnam Post will prioritize small parcels under five kilograms, including documents, administrative files and e-commerce packages.

Strict safety parameters have been established to ensure airspace security and public safety.

The UAVs will operate at a maximum altitude of 200 meters within a 300-meter-wide flight corridor, with a 500-meter operational radius around takeoff and landing zones.

The operating fleet includes specialized drones and modern vertical takeoff and landing UAVs.

All UAVs are equipped with onboard cameras and intelligent autonomous navigation systems tailored to their specific payload configurations.

Under the terms of the flight permit, CT UAV and coordinating units must provide written coordination with the 370th Air Division and Southern Region Air Traffic Services Company to finalize flight plans, forecasts, and notifications prior to each deployment.

UAV flights will be suspended immediately upon request from military authorities or in the event of overlapping military or civil aviation activities in the area.

The municipal Department of Science and Technology acts as the central coordinating body and, together with the city’s High Command, will oversee daily operations following the launch.

Vietnam Post will gradually integrate UAV solutions into its existing delivery network and submit periodic reports evaluating time efficiency, costs, and service quality to refine the model and support potential expansion.

Vietnam Post had previously piloted UAV-based medical transport and has been expanding drone delivery services, particularly along specialized sea and island routes, with a focus on legal compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Easing pressure on traditional delivery systems

Pham Huynh Quang Hieu, deputy head of the municipal department, described the launch of the Can Gio - Vung Tau UAV postal route as a milestone demonstrating the city’s commitment to applying scientific and technological advances to daily life, fostering innovation and advancing the digital economy.

In January, the department had coordinated with the Saigon Hi-Tech Park Management Board to conduct limited-scope test flights within the hi-tech park.

However, Hieu noted that the newly inaugurated route posed greater technical demands due to its longer distance, more complex operating conditions, strong winds, and oversea flight requirements.

As delivery demand continues to surge, requiring faster, more flexible, and more efficient solutions, UAV technology is expected to emerge as a breakthrough tool to shorten transport times, optimize costs, expand service coverage, and gradually ease pressure on traditional transport infrastructure, he said.