Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT), located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, officially received its first vessel from the WC1/TP6 service under the Gemini Cooperation. This partnership, formed by global shipping leaders Hapag-Lloyd from Germany and Denmark-based Maersk, marks the beginning of regular operations at CMIT, which will now handle two major vessel routes and one feeder route.
The Gemini Cooperation was established through a long-term agreement between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, officially launching in February 2025. Its goal is to build a fast, flexible, and highly interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability. As part of this initiative, CMIT has been designated as the sole primary port in Vietnam.
By serving as a key hub for the Gemini Cooperation, CMIT will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity between the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster and global shipping routes. This development is expected to drive growth in Vietnam’s trade activities, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and contribute to the expansion of the domestic maritime industry.
The Gemini Cooperation will operate a fleet of approximately 290 vessels, boasting a combined capacity of 3.4 million TEUs. Maersk will manage 60% of the fleet, while Hapag-Lloyd will oversee the remaining 40%. The network will span seven trade routes and 26 major services, including 14 routes to Europe, four to the Middle East, 13 within Asia, and one to the Gulf of Mexico.
For over 14 years, CMIT has been at the forefront of advancing the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port cluster. It has successfully accommodated some of the world’s largest vessels, setting milestones such as receiving a 194,000 DWT vessel in 2017 and a 214,000 DWT vessel in 2020. CMIT remains one of the few ports worldwide capable of handling such massive ships, reinforcing its strategic importance in Vietnam’s maritime sector.
(Source: The Investor)
