Vietnamese Ports Cai Mep and Hai Phong Rise in Global Ranking, Boost Logistics Sector

Overview

Two Vietnamese seaports, Cai Mep and Hai Phong, have advanced in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, surpassing several major global ports. The improved rankings coincide with strong cargo throughput growth and impressive Q1 2026 financial results for state-owned VIMC and Hai Phong Port, benefiting listed port operators GMD, PHP, and VSC.

Key Facts

• Cai Mep port cluster ranked 11th globally with a score of 122 in the 2025 CPPI, while Hai Phong port ranked 13th with the same score.
• The two Vietnamese ports surpassed Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), and Port Said (Egypt) in the ranking.
• In the first five months of 2026, cargo throughput through Hai Phong port system exceeded 50 million tonnes, up 8% year-on-year.
• Container throughput at Hai Phong reached 36.9 million TEU in the same period, also up 8%.
• VIMC (parent of GMD) reported Q1 2026 net revenue of over VND 6,610 billion, up 76% year-on-year, and net profit of over VND 860 billion, doubling from Q1 2025.
• Hai Phong Port (PHP) posted Q1 2026 consolidated net revenue of nearly VND 745 billion, up 29%, and net profit of over VND 350 billion, up 90%.
• Total vessel calls at Hai Phong port reached 17,162 in the first five months, up 5% year-on-year.

What Happened

The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence released the 2025 Container Port Performance Index, evaluating 400 container ports worldwide. Cai Mep and Hai Phong maintained their positions among the top 20 most efficient ports globally for the second consecutive year, ranking 11th and 13th respectively. The report highlights that Vietnamese ports have outperformed several larger regional hubs, reflecting improvements in operational efficiency and infrastructure.

Domestic port operations also showed robust growth. According to the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority, cargo throughput in the first five months of 2026 rose 8% year-on-year to over 50 million tonnes, while container throughput increased 8% to 36.9 million TEU. The Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration reported total cargo volume through all ports reached over 546 million tonnes in the period, up 15% year-on-year, with container volume up 14% to over 15 million TEU.

Market Context

On June 12, 2026, GMD closed at VND 76,000 (+0.53%) on HOSE, PHP at VND 37,900 (-0.26%) on HOSE, and VSC at VND 18,500 (+0.27%) on HNX. The port and logistics sector has been supported by strong trade flows and infrastructure investment. The improved global ranking and strong Q1 results reinforce positive sentiment, though geopolitical risks in the Middle East and rising fuel costs remain headwinds.

Strategic Significance

The sustained high ranking of Cai Mep and Hai Phong underscores Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains as a competitive transshipment and export hub. For listed port operators, the trend supports volume growth and pricing power. VIMC’s and Hai Phong Port’s strong earnings momentum suggests operational leverage is improving, which could attract foreign investor interest. The ranking also validates recent infrastructure upgrades and positions Vietnamese ports to capture more cargo diverted from congested regional hubs.

What to Watch

• Q2 2026 earnings reports for GMD, PHP, and VSC, due in late July/August, to confirm growth trajectory.
• Monthly cargo throughput data from Vietnam Maritime Administration for signs of sustained volume growth.
• Any further geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East affecting shipping costs and trade routes.
• Foreign ownership limits and potential increases for PHP and GMD, which are currently near their caps.
• Government infrastructure spending on deep-sea ports, particularly in Cai Mep and Lach Huyen.