On 17 October 2010, Tan Cang – Cai Mep Container Terminal (TCCT) had solemnly organized the inaugural celebration for launching of new direct service from Vietnam to Europe by Hanjin, ranked 10th among the 100 biggest shipping lines worldwide. Attending the celebration was representatives from Customs Office – Cai Mep Gateway, Vung Tau Port Authority, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Coast Guard, Hanjin Shipping, crew members of M/V Hanjin Port Kelang, shippers and management and staff of Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) and Tan Cang – Cai Mep Container Terminal (TCCT).

Boosting the increasing market demands for trading between Vietnam and European countries, Hanjin Shipping has officially added Vietnam into its current NE5 (Asia North Europe Service 5), first direct non-stop service between Vietnam and North Europe. With a fleet of 9 vessels, each with 6,655-teu loading capacity, NE5’s new rotation includes Gwangyang, Busan, Shanghai, Yantian, TCCT, Singapore, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre, Algeciras, Singapore and Kaohsiung. Starting this new service at TCCT on 17 October 2010 was Hanjin Port Kelang, V0026W with 304.07-meter LOA and 80,811-DWT tonnage. It is estimated that the operational NE5 will shrink sea transport time between Vietnam and North Europe from 23 days to 19 days, remarkably reducing ocean freight for shippers and enhancing merchandise competitiveness.

Up to the present, Hanjin will make 02 calls per week at TCCT in SJX service (CKYH alliance) and the new NE5 service (Hanjin alone). Together with Zim and CSAV-Norasia recently deploying new services to TCCT in September, Hanjin has just reconfirmed attractiveness of maritime market in Vietnam in general and of TCCT in particular.

Vietnam Shipper