Port of Haiphong
The Port of Haiphong is one of Vietnam’s most important seaports and the main maritime gateway for northern Vietnam. Located in Haiphong City near the Gulf of Tonkin, the port serves container shipping, general cargo, bulk cargo, industrial cargo, project cargo, and regional logistics across Vietnam, China, Southeast Asia, and global trade lanes.
For commercial shippers, Haiphong is especially important because it connects Hanoi, northern Vietnam’s manufacturing zones, industrial parks, export-processing areas, and cross-border supply chains with international ocean freight services. The port supports importers, exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, retailers, eCommerce businesses, industrial suppliers, and logistics providers.
Haiphong is also closely linked with Lach Huyen, northern Vietnam’s deep-water port area, which has expanded the region’s ability to handle larger container vessels and long-haul shipping services.
Port of Haiphong Overview
| Port Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Port name | Port of Haiphong |
| Country | Vietnam |
| City | Haiphong |
| Region | Northern Vietnam / Gulf of Tonkin |
| UN/LOCODE | VNHPH |
| Port type | Seaport |
| Main port areas | Haiphong port area, Lach Huyen deep-water port area |
| Main container facilities | TC-HICT, HHIT, and other Haiphong container terminals |
| Cargo types | Containers, general cargo, dry bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, industrial cargo, reefer cargo |
| Suitable for | Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, retailers, industrial shippers, regional distributors |
Why Ship Through the Port of Haiphong?
The Port of Haiphong is strategically located in northern Vietnam, making it a key gateway for cargo moving to and from Hanoi, Haiphong, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, and other major industrial areas.
For importers, Haiphong provides access to northern Vietnam’s manufacturing, retail, automotive, electronics, machinery, construction, and consumer goods markets. For exporters, the port supports cargo moving from Vietnam’s fast-growing production base to Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other global destinations.
Haiphong is especially relevant for businesses connected to electronics manufacturing, textiles and garments, furniture, machinery, automotive components, consumer goods, agricultural products, and industrial supply chains.
Container Shipping Through Haiphong
Haiphong supports containerized cargo through multiple terminal facilities, including deep-water terminal operations in the Lach Huyen area. The port is used for import containers, export containers, feeder cargo, transshipment, reefer cargo, and industrial cargo movements.
Businesses use Haiphong for:
- Import containers into northern Vietnam
- Export containers from Hanoi and nearby industrial zones
- Full container load shipments
- Less than container load shipments
- Reefer containers for temperature-sensitive cargo
- Electronics, textiles, garments, furniture, machinery, and industrial goods
- Regional feeder cargo connected to Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia
- Long-haul cargo through deep-water terminal services at Lach Huyen
For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to ship partial container loads without paying for a full container.
Port Capacity and Recent Development
Haiphong has become more important as northern Vietnam’s manufacturing and export base has expanded. The Lach Huyen deep-water port area has helped improve vessel access, container capacity, and direct shipping options for the region.
TC-HICT is a major deep-water container terminal in northern Vietnam, with modern berth infrastructure in the Lach Huyen area. HHIT is another major terminal in Haiphong and is positioned as a gateway for cargo moving between Vietnam and global markets.
The opening and expansion of new deep-water berths at Lach Huyen have strengthened Haiphong’s role as a northern Vietnam gateway for larger vessels, direct services, and international container traffic.
Main Cargo Handled Through Haiphong
The Port of Haiphong handles a wide range of cargo connected to northern Vietnam’s industrial, manufacturing, retail, and export economy.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Machinery, electronics, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| Containerized exports | Textiles, garments, footwear, electronics, furniture, machinery, consumer goods |
| Industrial cargo | Manufacturing equipment, components, spare parts, production inputs |
| Reefer cargo | Seafood, food products, chilled goods, frozen cargo, pharmaceuticals |
| Dry bulk | Raw materials, minerals, agricultural commodities, construction materials |
| General cargo | Packaged goods, equipment, commercial shipments, mixed cargo |
| Breakbulk cargo | Machinery, oversized equipment, non-containerized freight |
| Project cargo | Heavy equipment, infrastructure cargo, industrial machinery |
| Automotive cargo | Parts, components, machinery, vehicle-related goods |
Haiphong is especially relevant for companies that need efficient access to northern Vietnam’s industrial zones and export manufacturing clusters.
Shipping to Haiphong
Importers ship cargo to Haiphong from major sourcing and production markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe, India, the Middle East, and other regional or global ports.
Common imports to Haiphong and northern Vietnam include:
- Machinery and spare parts
- Electronics and electrical components
- Raw materials and industrial inputs
- Textile and garment materials
- Chemicals and plastics
- Food and beverage products
- Retail and consumer goods
- Automotive parts
- Manufacturing components
- Construction materials
- Project cargo and oversized equipment
When shipping to Haiphong, importers should compare total landed cost, not only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost can include origin charges, sea freight, feeder charges, destination charges, customs clearance, import duty, VAT, port charges, storage, demurrage, local trucking, inland delivery, and documentation fees.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Haiphong
Exporters use Haiphong for cargo moving from northern Vietnam to regional and international markets. The port is especially relevant for manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, eCommerce sellers, industrial suppliers, and companies operating in Vietnam’s northern industrial parks.
Common export cargo from Haiphong includes:
- Textiles and garments
- Footwear
- Electronics and electrical goods
- Furniture and wood products
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Automotive components
- Consumer goods
- Agricultural and food products
- Seafood and reefer cargo
- Project and oversized cargo
- Containerized industrial cargo
For exporters, the choice between FCL and LCL depends on shipment size, cargo value, destination, production schedule, and carrier routing. FCL is usually more efficient for larger cargo volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, or partial commercial loads.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Haiphong
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, or another hub |
| Reefer container | Seafood, food, pharmaceuticals, chilled or frozen cargo | Keeps cargo at controlled temperature | Requires equipment availability and correct temperature settings |
| Dry bulk shipping | Raw materials, minerals, agricultural commodities, construction materials | Suitable for high-volume non-containerized cargo | Requires commodity-specific handling and terminal planning |
| Breakbulk shipping | Oversized or non-containerized cargo | Useful for machinery, equipment, and industrial cargo | Requires special handling and early planning |
| Project cargo | Heavy or complex industrial shipments | Supports infrastructure and industrial cargo | Needs coordination with carrier, port, haulier, customs, and final delivery teams |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance in Haiphong and Vietnam
Cargo imported through Haiphong must comply with Vietnam customs requirements. Importers should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival, including product descriptions, HS codes, customs values, country of origin, consignee details, importer information, and supporting documents.
Commercial shipments typically require a customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, sales contract when applicable, certificate of origin when required, import license when applicable, and inspection or quarantine documents for regulated goods.
Goods such as food products, agricultural goods, animals, plants, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, hazardous cargo, and restricted goods may require additional permits, product approvals, testing, quarantine clearance, or inspection.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Haiphong
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Haiphong require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Customs declaration
- HS codes and product descriptions
- Sales contract, when required
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Import license or export license, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Quarantine documents, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Marine insurance certificate, if cargo insurance is purchased
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Customs broker authorization, when using a customs broker or agent
Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival or departure. Incorrect product descriptions, missing HS codes, undervalued invoices, incomplete consignee information, or missing permits can delay customs clearance and increase costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Haiphong
The Port of Haiphong connects northern Vietnam with Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and regional Southeast Asian trade lanes.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| China to Haiphong | Machinery, electronics, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial supplies |
| Japan to Haiphong | Machinery, automotive parts, electronics, industrial equipment |
| South Korea to Haiphong | Electronics, machinery, components, chemicals, consumer goods |
| Southeast Asia to Haiphong | Components, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| United States to Haiphong | Machinery, electronics, industrial goods, food products, relocation cargo |
| Europe to Haiphong | Machinery, chemicals, industrial equipment, premium consumer goods |
| India to Haiphong | Textiles, chemicals, machinery, food products, commercial cargo |
| Haiphong to China | Textiles, electronics, machinery, consumer goods |
| Haiphong to Japan | Garments, electronics, furniture, industrial products |
| Haiphong to South Korea | Electronics, garments, machinery, consumer goods |
| Haiphong to United States | Textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics, manufactured goods |
| Haiphong to Europe | Garments, furniture, electronics, machinery, consumer goods |
For cargo moving to or from Haiphong, routing may involve direct services, feeder services, transshipment through Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Busan, or other regional hubs, depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, and final destination.
When Should You Use Haiphong Instead of Another Vietnamese Port?
Haiphong can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in northern Vietnam
- The shipment is connected to Hanoi, Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, or nearby industrial zones
- The cargo involves electronics, garments, footwear, furniture, machinery, automotive parts, or industrial supplies
- The shipper needs access to northern Vietnam’s manufacturing base
- Inland delivery savings are important
- The shipment can use deep-water services through Lach Huyen
- The cargo requires container, reefer, breakbulk, or project cargo capability
Another Vietnamese port may be more suitable when the shipment is closer to central or southern Vietnam, requires a specific carrier service, or has better routing through ports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Mep, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, or Vung Tau.
The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, sailing schedule, inland delivery, customs requirements, terminal availability, cargo type, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Haiphong
To get a freight quote to or from Haiphong, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, or containers
- FCL or LCL preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Customs clearance requirements
- Final pickup or delivery address, if needed
- Special handling requirements, such as reefer, hazardous cargo, breakbulk, oversized cargo, or project cargo
- Preferred Haiphong terminal, if already specified by the carrier or consignee
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
Haiphong Freight Rates
Freight Shipping Cost from & to Haiphong for a 20-foot Container
Port Capacity and Recent Development
Haiphong has become more important as northern Vietnam’s manufacturing and export base has expanded. The Lach Huyen deep-water port area has helped improve vessel access, container capacity, and direct shipping options for the region.
TC-HICT is a major deep-water container terminal in northern Vietnam, with modern berth infrastructure in the Lach Huyen area. HHIT is another major terminal in Haiphong and is positioned as a gateway for cargo moving between Vietnam and global markets.
The opening and expansion of new deep-water berths at Lach Huyen have strengthened Haiphong’s role as a northern Vietnam gateway for larger vessels, direct services, and international container traffic.
Main Cargo Handled Through Haiphong
The Port of Haiphong handles a wide range of cargo connected to northern Vietnam’s industrial, manufacturing, retail, and export economy.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Machinery, electronics, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| Containerized exports | Textiles, garments, footwear, electronics, furniture, machinery, consumer goods |
| Industrial cargo | Manufacturing equipment, components, spare parts, production inputs |
| Reefer cargo | Seafood, food products, chilled goods, frozen cargo, pharmaceuticals |
| Dry bulk | Raw materials, minerals, agricultural commodities, construction materials |
| General cargo | Packaged goods, equipment, commercial shipments, mixed cargo |
| Breakbulk cargo | Machinery, oversized equipment, non-containerized freight |
| Project cargo | Heavy equipment, infrastructure cargo, industrial machinery |
| Automotive cargo | Parts, components, machinery, vehicle-related goods |
Haiphong is especially relevant for companies that need efficient access to northern Vietnam’s industrial zones and export manufacturing clusters.
Shipping to Haiphong
Importers ship cargo to Haiphong from major sourcing and production markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe, India, the Middle East, and other regional or global ports.
Common imports to Haiphong and northern Vietnam include:
- Machinery and spare parts
- Electronics and electrical components
- Raw materials and industrial inputs
- Textile and garment materials
- Chemicals and plastics
- Food and beverage products
- Retail and consumer goods
- Automotive parts
- Manufacturing components
- Construction materials
- Project cargo and oversized equipment
When shipping to Haiphong, importers should compare total landed cost, not only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost can include origin charges, sea freight, feeder charges, destination charges, customs clearance, import duty, VAT, port charges, storage, demurrage, local trucking, inland delivery, and documentation fees.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Haiphong
Exporters use Haiphong for cargo moving from northern Vietnam to regional and international markets. The port is especially relevant for manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, eCommerce sellers, industrial suppliers, and companies operating in Vietnam’s northern industrial parks.
Common export cargo from Haiphong includes:
- Textiles and garments
- Footwear
- Electronics and electrical goods
- Furniture and wood products
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Automotive components
- Consumer goods
- Agricultural and food products
- Seafood and reefer cargo
- Project and oversized cargo
- Containerized industrial cargo
For exporters, the choice between FCL and LCL depends on shipment size, cargo value, destination, production schedule, and carrier routing. FCL is usually more efficient for larger cargo volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, or partial commercial loads.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Haiphong
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, or another hub |
| Reefer container | Seafood, food, pharmaceuticals, chilled or frozen cargo | Keeps cargo at controlled temperature | Requires equipment availability and correct temperature settings |
| Dry bulk shipping | Raw materials, minerals, agricultural commodities, construction materials | Suitable for high-volume non-containerized cargo | Requires commodity-specific handling and terminal planning |
| Breakbulk shipping | Oversized or non-containerized cargo | Useful for machinery, equipment, and industrial cargo | Requires special handling and early planning |
| Project cargo | Heavy or complex industrial shipments | Supports infrastructure and industrial cargo | Needs coordination with carrier, port, haulier, customs, and final delivery teams |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance in Haiphong and Vietnam
Cargo imported through Haiphong must comply with Vietnam customs requirements. Importers should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival, including product descriptions, HS codes, customs values, country of origin, consignee details, importer information, and supporting documents.
Commercial shipments typically require a customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, sales contract when applicable, certificate of origin when required, import license when applicable, and inspection or quarantine documents for regulated goods.
Goods such as food products, agricultural goods, animals, plants, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, hazardous cargo, and restricted goods may require additional permits, product approvals, testing, quarantine clearance, or inspection.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Haiphong
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Haiphong require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Customs declaration
- HS codes and product descriptions
- Sales contract, when required
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Import license or export license, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Quarantine documents, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Marine insurance certificate, if cargo insurance is purchased
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Customs broker authorization, when using a customs broker or agent
Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival or departure. Incorrect product descriptions, missing HS codes, undervalued invoices, incomplete consignee information, or missing permits can delay customs clearance and increase costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Haiphong
The Port of Haiphong connects northern Vietnam with Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and regional Southeast Asian trade lanes.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| China to Haiphong | Machinery, electronics, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial supplies |
| Japan to Haiphong | Machinery, automotive parts, electronics, industrial equipment |
| South Korea to Haiphong | Electronics, machinery, components, chemicals, consumer goods |
| Southeast Asia to Haiphong | Components, raw materials, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| United States to Haiphong | Machinery, electronics, industrial goods, food products, relocation cargo |
| Europe to Haiphong | Machinery, chemicals, industrial equipment, premium consumer goods |
| India to Haiphong | Textiles, chemicals, machinery, food products, commercial cargo |
| Haiphong to China | Textiles, electronics, machinery, consumer goods |
| Haiphong to Japan | Garments, electronics, furniture, industrial products |
| Haiphong to South Korea | Electronics, garments, machinery, consumer goods |
| Haiphong to United States | Textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics, manufactured goods |
| Haiphong to Europe | Garments, furniture, electronics, machinery, consumer goods |
For cargo moving to or from Haiphong, routing may involve direct services, feeder services, transshipment through Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Busan, or other regional hubs, depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, and final destination.
When Should You Use Haiphong Instead of Another Vietnamese Port?
Haiphong can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in northern Vietnam
- The shipment is connected to Hanoi, Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, or nearby industrial zones
- The cargo involves electronics, garments, footwear, furniture, machinery, automotive parts, or industrial supplies
- The shipper needs access to northern Vietnam’s manufacturing base
- Inland delivery savings are important
- The shipment can use deep-water services through Lach Huyen
- The cargo requires container, reefer, breakbulk, or project cargo capability
Another Vietnamese port may be more suitable when the shipment is closer to central or southern Vietnam, requires a specific carrier service, or has better routing through ports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Mep, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, or Vung Tau.
The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, sailing schedule, inland delivery, customs requirements, terminal availability, cargo type, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Haiphong
To get a freight quote to or from Haiphong, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, or containers
- FCL or LCL preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Customs clearance requirements
- Final pickup or delivery address, if needed
- Special handling requirements, such as reefer, hazardous cargo, breakbulk, oversized cargo, or project cargo
- Preferred Haiphong terminal, if already specified by the carrier or consignee
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
FAQ About the Port of Adelaide
The Port of Haiphong is located in Haiphong City in northern Vietnam, near the Gulf of Tonkin.
The UN/LOCODE for Haiphong is VNHPH.
Yes. Lach Huyen is the deep-water port area associated with Haiphong and supports larger vessels and international container services.
Common cargo includes containers, textiles, garments, footwear, electronics, furniture, machinery, automotive components, raw materials, consumer goods, reefer cargo, general cargo, breakbulk cargo, and project cargo.