THILOGI completes Ky Ha shipping lane dredging and launches direct shipping route from Chu Lai to India

On May 16, in Quang Nam, THILOGI held a ceremony to announce the completion of dredging the Ky Ha shipping lane. On the same day, they signed a partnership with Regional Container Lines (RCL) and Chu Lai Port to open a direct shipping route from Chu Lai to India.

The ceremony was attended by leaders from Quang Nam province, THACO, THILOGI, as well as local and international partners and customers

The ceremony was graced by important officials, including Mr. Le Van Dung, Quang Nam Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, representatives from different government agencies, customs, border control, RCL representatives, THACO President Pham Van Tai, and leaders from THILOGI and Chu Lai Port.

Improving Chu Lai Port’s capacity

The Ky Ha shipping lane dredging project was assigned to THILOGI by the Ministry of Construction and the Quang Nam People's Committee. Work started on January 17, 2025. After the upgrade, the lane met technical requirements, reaching a depth of -9.3 meters, a bottom width of 110 meters, and a total length of 11 kilometers (from buoy 0 to the port). This allows ships with a capacity of up to 30,000 DWT to enter. The dredging was done following environmental protection rules to safeguard marine life and local fishermen's livelihoods. The upgrade helps large ships move in and out of the port more easily without relying on tides—especially during peak hours and nighttime operations. After completion, THILOGI handed the project over to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for management and operation.

At the event, Mr. Phan Van Ky, Director of Chu Lai Port, said this investment in the Ky Ha shipping lane is a long-term strategy to remove infrastructure bottlenecks. The goal is to develop Chu Lai Port into a first-class port, as outlined in national plans, while also making it a major logistics hub for central Vietnam, the Central Highlands in Vietnam, southern Laos, northern Cambodia, and northeastern Thailand.

On this occasion, Chu Lai Port officially launched a new tugboat called CHU LAI PORT 02. The tugboat is 26.68 meters long, 8.11 meters wide, and has a power of 2,200 HP. It was built using modern designs that meet national technical standards and environmental safety requirements. The total investment for the Ky Ha lane dredging and the new tugboat exceeded 100 billion VND.

Launching Chu Lai - India direct shipping route creates more export opportunities

During the event, Chu Lai Port welcomed the Singaporean CHANA BHUM cargo ship from RCL. This marks the beginning of a shipping route connecting Chu Lai to ports in India, including Kolkata, Kattupalli, Chennai, Nhava Sheva, Cochin, and Mundra. The ship carried nearly 800 containers filled with various export and import goods, including auto parts, clothing, furniture, and agricultural products from Vietnamese businesses to India, and vice versa.

Mr. Quek Chun Guan, RCL Southeast Asia’s Director, said that this new shipping route will shorten delivery times, cut logistics costs, and create more trade opportunities between Vietnamese and Indian businesses. He also believes in the region’s growth potential and expects a stronger partnership between RCL and Chu Lai Port in the future.

Signing ceremony between RCL and Chu Lai Port to open the Chu Lai - India shipping route

At the ceremony, Mr. Le Van Dung, Chairman of the Quang Nam People’s Committee, emphasized the role of Ky Ha shipping lane and the new shipping route. It shows THILOGI’s commitment to investing in modern port infrastructure, improving competitiveness, and accelerating the development of Quang Nam’s logistics industry. Over time, Chu Lai will become an international logistics hub, contributing to both local and regional economic growth. He also encouraged THILOGI and Chu Lai Port to keep investing in port infrastructure, focusing on smart, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly logistics solutions.

Leaders and business representatives at the event