APM Terminals and HHIT team up on port automation, green logistics

APM Terminals and Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal (HHIT), a fully owned subsidiary of Hateco Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their cooperation on terminal development in Haiphong in North Vietnam.

The MOU was signed at a ceremony in Hanoi during the first day of the Dutch trade mission to Vietnam that will focus on logistics, renewable energy, and waste management, among other things. 44 Dutch companies and organisations are represented in the mission from various sectors.

“Vietnam is a rapidly growing and high-potential market in South-East Asia and the strategic collaboration underpins our ambition to grow where it benefits our customers. Therefore, I am happy that we are now strengthening our cooperation by assisting HHIT to reach its goal to have a sustainable and efficient terminal that is fit for the future and benefits customers,” Jon Goldner, Chief Executive, Asia & Middle East, APM Terminals, said after visiting the project site in Haiphong.

“APM Terminals operates one of the world’s most comprehensive port networks of 62 container terminals. Therefore, I am happy that APM Terminals will provide advisory support to HHIT to develop the largest, most modern, and environmentally sustainable container port in North Vietnam. Among other things, by using automated solutions and with the ambition and preparations made to be able to operate fully electric once the electricity supply can provide for it,” Nguyen Van Tien, Chief Executive Officer, HHIT, commented.

In 2023, APM Terminals announced a strategic partnership with Vietnamese HATECO Group for a project to develop two new deep-water berths at Lach Huyen port in Haiphong City. The project aims to attract mega vessel services to Haiphong and reduce the cost of import and export for North Vietnam after it starts operations in the first quarter of 2025. As part of the project, APM Terminals will share best practices on safety, port automation, artificial intelligence, and decarbonization.

“Haiphong City and the surrounding logistics and manufacturing development represents a clear and current opportunity for the terminal development to directly support the growing business activities in the region and provide a tangible catalyst for shipping lines and cargo owners to take advantage of the opportunities that are here,” says Jian Dan, Principal for Investments, Regional Growth, Asia & Middle East and who represents APM Terminals throughout the trade mission to Vietnam.

Since 2007, APM Terminals has been active in the joint venture Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT), strategically located to support Vietnam’s commercial hub, Ho Chi Minh City. CMIT is also one of the few terminals in Southeast Asia capable of accommodating the largest container vessels in the world.