Chu Lai International Port on Thursday launched a direct shipping route to India. The service began with the arrival of the Singapore-registered vessel CHANA BHUM, operated by Regional Container Lines (RCL), which transported nearly 800 containers carrying auto parts, garments, furniture, and agricultural goods.
The new fixed route, operating twice monthly, provides a reliable maritime link between central Vietnam and the Indian market, bypassing traditional transshipment hubs in the north and south. This is expected to cut transport time, lower logistics costs, and improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese exports. Port authorities emphasised that the route also connects onward to China, South Korea, and Japan, opening up broader regional trade corridors. To support the increased activity, Chu Lai Port commissioned a new tugboat—Chu Lai Port 02—on the same day.
The 26.68-metre vessel meets national maritime standards, with 2,200 HP engine power and advanced safety and environmental features. It is expected to enhance docking safety and operational efficiency for large vessels. Additionally, logistics arm Thilogi announced the completion of the Ky Ha port dredging project in Quang Nam. The upgraded port, now capable of handling ships up to 30,000 DWT, has been handed over to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for full management and operation.
These developments underscore Chu Lai’s ambitions to become a major logistics and export hub in Southeast Asia.
