The agreement, signed on the morning of 16/4, is effective for three years. It focuses on realizing the vision of transforming the area into a smart, sustainable seaport ecosystem.

Bui Van Khang, Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that the marine economy is an important driver for sustainable growth and enhancing the province's competitiveness. The Con Ong - Hon Net port is identified as a top priority project, slated for investment under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee and the Northeast Maritime Institute (US), on the morning of 16/4. Photo: Le Tan

Strategically located south of Bai Tu Long Bay, the Con Ong - Hon Net port boasts a distinct advantage with its natural deep waters, sheltered from wind by surrounding islands. This allows it to accommodate container ships up to 100,000 tons and bulk carriers up to 200,000 tons.

"The port offers excellent multimodal connectivity through the province-wide expressway axis, Van Don International Airport, and the future Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong Cai railway line," Khang emphasized.

Quang Ninh expects that through the network of the Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), the project will effectively access capital from US investors and global maritime funds. This funding will support the construction of a smart, low-emission seaport ecosystem.

Eric R. Dawicki, President of the Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), praised Quang Ninh's vision, describing the Con Ong – Hon Net deep-water port project as long-term and groundbreaking.

"We believe this will be an important maritime hub, helping Vietnam connect more strongly with international trade routes," Eric R. Dawicki stated. "Developing the port with a modern approach will also help reduce environmental pressure on the Ha Long Bay heritage site, moving towards a green marine economy."

Quang Ninh is committed to creating the most transparent and favorable investment environment for the project to form early. The province aims for the port to become a new destination for international maritime shipping in the northern region.

The Con Ong - Hon Net port, situated south of Bai Tu Long Bay, features water depths ranging from -7m to -13,4m. It currently operates two main anchorage areas: the Con Ong coal terminal, which accommodates 70,000-ton vessels, and the Hon Net transshipment anchorage, capable of receiving vessels from 3,000 to 200,000 tons. The total operational capacity reaches approximately 7,14 million tons per year at the onshore terminal and 76,64 million tons per year at the offshore transshipment anchorage.