Vietnam’s longest sea-crossing bridge features piles more than 100 meters deep

The project has a designed speed of 80 kph, a deck width of 16.5 meters, and a total investment of more than VND25.7 trillion (US$993 million).

According to Army Corps 12 under the Ministry of National Defense, the project has disbursed more than VND1.3 trillion ($50 million) out of VND21.019 trillion ($812 million) in planned capital, equivalent to over 6.3 percent.

The contractor said nearly 500 bridge piers using bored piles and steel piles are planned along the route.

Over 1,000 pieces of equipment and above 2,000 workers have been mobilized for construction.

By the end of this year, Army Corps 12 aims to complete 438 bored piles, 163 steel pipe piles, 40 bridge piers, and 360 Super-T girders, with the construction output expected to reach around VND1.7 trillion ($65.7 million).

Alongside efforts to secure supplies of scarce sand and stone, construction units are tightening technical controls to ensure absolute maritime safety in offshore waters.

Building a bridge at sea amid strong winds, rough waves, and thunderstorms requires substantial investment in specialized equipment to maintain construction quality and meet deadlines.

An Army Corps 12 representative said the unit had invested in four high-end pieces of equipment, each costing around VND1 trillion ($38.6 million), to carry out offshore construction and keep the project on schedule.

Major General Nguyen Huu Ngoc, commander of Army Corps 12, described the bridge to Hon Khoai Island as a historic national project and Vietnam’s longest sea-crossing bridge.

Construction conditions are extremely challenging because of weak seabed geology, with bored piles in some locations extending more than 100 meters below the sea surface, he said.

Ngoc added that more than 1,500 engineers and workers are operating around the clock to meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

“We are determined to overcome the sea and its harsh conditions to fulfill our commitment. Every pile and every concrete structure must meet permanent, long-term quality standards,” he said.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly boost the economy of Ca Mau and improve the movement of goods to international markets.

Army Corps 12 recently launched a high-intensity campaign aimed at accelerating work on key transport projects in Ca Mau, with a target of generating VND8 trillion ($309 million) in construction value on the Hon Khoai project by the end of the year.