Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) Partners with MSC in Global Transportation Connectivity Strategy

On February 16, 2025, just one week after successfully receiving the ZSL/PELICAN service, jointly operated by ZIM and MSC, Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) continued to welcome the first vessel of the PEARL service, operated independently by MSC — the world’s largest shipping line at TCIT. This is a significant milestone, creating momentum and enhancing TCIT’s global trade connectivity within MSC’s international transportation network.

 

TCIT – A Key Connection in MSC’s Global Shipping Network

Currently, MSC operates 9 direct service routes from Vietnam, with TCIT recently welcoming two of these services. The ZSL/PELICAN service creates an optimal shipping corridor from Vietnam to the U.S. Gulf region, reducing transshipment and improving delivery efficiency. Meanwhile, the PEARL service — with a port rotation of TCIT – Hai Phong – Nansha – Hong Kong – Yantian – Xiamen – Long Beach – Oakland — plays a vital role in connecting Vietnam directly with the U.S. West Coast, enhancing market access for local import-export businesses. These developments represent a significant step in expanding TCIT’s direct connections to major global commercial centers, in line with MSC’s direct connection strategy, offering up to 1,900 direct port pairings worldwide without the need for transshipment.

 

Optimizing the Supply Chain – Building Sustainable Competitive Advantage

The first vessel, GREENVILLE, of the PEARL service operated by MSC at TCIT has a deadweight of 74,000 tons, a length of 272 meters, and a capacity of 8,010 TEUs. This vessel is part of a fleet of 8 mother vessels deployed by MSC, each with a capacity ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 TEUs.

   

The PEARL service is expected to significantly boost trade between Vietnam and the United States, delivering practical benefits to customers and improving the operational efficiency of TCIT and its partners. Furthermore, TCIT is not only a direct gateway for international maritime services, but also deeply integrated with a network of inland container depots (ICDs) and depots in the Southern Key Economic Region such as Tan Cang Long Binh ICD, Tan Cang Song Than ICD, and Tan Cang Nhon Trach ICD. This strengthens linkages between industrial parks, production hubs, and seaports — optimizing cargo flow, minimizing storage times, and enhancing supply chain flexibility.

   

Driving Global Trade and Economic Growth

Officially joining MSC’s global transport network has opened up numerous opportunities for TCIT to foster trade partnerships with leading shipping lines worldwide — delivering not only direct benefits to businesses but also elevating Vietnam’s position in the global supply chain. By shortening delivery times and lowering transportation costs, Vietnamese goods will gain a stronger competitive edge, especially in the North American market — one of Vietnam’s most vital export destinations.


Moreover, in the context of shifting global trade dynamics and increasing demand for sustainable supply chains, the continuous expansion and investment by major carriers like MSC at TCIT is a positive signal. This not only reinforces TCIT’s role in the region but also contributes to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s maritime and logistics sectors.
 

Currently, TCIT handles 10 weekly scheduled international services, directly connecting Vietnam with key markets including North America, Europe, and Intra-Asia. In addition to its role as a deep-water container terminal and international transshipment hub, TCIT is also planning to develop comprehensive logistics solutions by investing in and expanding its post-port logistics services, such as Depots and ICDs in the Cai Mep area and nearby regions. This aims to provide complete logistics solutions and value-added services, optimally meeting the needs of shipping lines and import-export businesses.