TAN CANG – CAI MEP INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL (TCIT) WELCOMES THE FIRST DIRECT SERVICE TO SOUTH AMERICA
Wednesday, 29/10/2025
On October 29, 2025, Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) welcomed the mother vessel MOL EXPERIENCE – the first vessel of the SX2/FL2 service route, jointly operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) and HMM, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 63,000 DWT. This is the first direct service route connecting Vietnam with South America within the port and logistics ecosystem of Saigon Newport Corporation, marking an important milestone in the journey of expanding the international service network of TCIT in particular and Saigon Newport Corporation in general.
MOL EXPERIENCE – the first mother vessel of the SX2/FL2 service route – arrives at TCIT.New Connection Expands Vietnam–South America Trade Opportunities
In the context of deep international economic integration, the South American market represents a promising opportunity, and the trade relationship between Vietnam and South American partners is mutually complementary. Vietnam exports technology, textiles, electronics, and processed foods, while South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay supply cereals, meat, fruits, wine, and energy solutions. Due to the long geographical distance and high transportation costs, Vietnamese businesses have historically not focused much on the South American market. With a direct shipping route connecting to three major ports in Brazil—Rio Grande, Itapoá, and Santos—the SX2/FL2 service will help customers save both time and logistics costs, as the average transit time from Santos to Cai Mep is only about 30 days. At the same time, it expands import-export opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to Brazil—the largest trading partner in the Latin American region and among the top three largest markets for Vietnam in the Americas. 
Representatives from TCSG, TCIT, shipping lines ONE and HMM, along with the captain and crew, took a commemorative photo.TCIT’s Strategic Leap – Expanding Long-Haul Routes and Elevating Global Connectivity
The launch of the new SX2/FL2 service enables TCIT to operate a total of 12 regular international sailings per week, contributing to the expansion and diversification of its network with direct connections to both the Americas and Europe. In addition to extending the South American trade corridor, the SX2/FL2 route also plays a crucial role in integrating regional logistics chains, particularly via Singapore—the largest transshipment hub in Southeast Asia—enhancing the efficiency of cargo flows from regional countries to Vietnam and onward to South America. The route connects key ports including Cai Mep (TCIT) – Busan – Hong Kong – Rio Grande – Itapoá – Santos – Singapore. The confidence of ONE and HMM in choosing TCIT as the deployment port for the SX2/FL2 service once again confirms TCIT’s operational capability, service quality, and reputation among the world’s leading shipping lines, while reaffirming TCIT’s role as a major cargo transshipment gateway in southern Vietnam.
