Southern Vietnam’s new inland waterway route expected to cut transit time by 70%

The new service was launched by DP World, a Dubai-based multinational logistics and supply chain company, in partnership with VIMC Container Lines JSC (VIMC Lines) under Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), a state-owned enterprise that operates ports and maritime logistics services across Vietnam.

Operating twice a week, the barge service reduces the transit time from 48 hours by river alone to just 15 hours—an improvement of 70 percent—via a combination of sea and river routes.

The total transport distance is also shortened from 367km to 200km, making it a faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective solution for cargo owners across Vietnam.

Designed to support dry and cold chain logistics, the Mekong Express can transport up to several hundred TEUs per voyage and is capable of handling a large number of refrigerated containers.

DP World and VIMC Lines plan to expand the route to include a call at the Saigon Premier Container Terminal, which is operated by DP World, and a call at Saigon Hiep Phuoc Port under the VIMC.

The new service is also a more sustainable alternative to road transport, generating 60 percent less carbon emissions.

Equipped with real-time digital cargo tracking and carbon monitoring, the service is expected to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2026.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Nguyen Ngoc He, vice-chairman of the Can Tho City’s administration, said the new route bridges the country's major economic hub and the Mekong Delta's key rice and seafood region.

It also facilitates international cargo connections through Cai Mep Port, offering a full-package logistics solution with faster delivery, lower costs, and reduced pressure on the road network.

He noted that the Vietnamese government is investing in several major infrastructure projects across Can Tho, including the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway, the My Thuan 2 Bridge, the Long Xuyen bypass, and the phase-two upgrade of Cho Gao Canal.

Other initiatives include upgrading the Can Tho-Ca Mau section of the North-South expressway, and converting Cao Lanh-Lo Te and Lo Te-Rach Soi roads into expressways, as well as expanding Nam Song Hau Road.

Once completed, these projects are expected to draw more import-export goods through Can Tho’s seaports, while promoting regional economic development and competitiveness across the Mekong Delta.