Vietnam is criss‑crossed by a dense network of rivers and canals—including the Cai Mep, Saigon, Dong Nai, Vam Co, Soai Rap and the Mekong Delta waterways—that naturally link production zones to maritime gateways. Because these routes already exist, they could become a cheap and greener way to move goods.

One barge can hold up to 300 TEUs, about 5,000 tonnes of cargo. That single vessel can replace at least 150 container trucks, providing a lower‑cost and lower‑emission alternative for many freight routes.

For decades Vietnam’s logistics system has focused on roads, a choice that offers flexibility and fast deliveries. However, freight volumes now grow faster than road capacity, creating congestion and bottlenecks across the country.

The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration is finalising a plan that aims to shift 27‑29% of freight from roads to inland waterways. The plan includes early investment in the Cai Mep Ha port complex, development of inland ports, improving bridge clearances, relocating the Truong Tho ICD cluster, and digitising logistics data to coordinate shipments.

Using the existing river network could therefore lower logistics costs, ease road congestion and make Vietnam’s exports more competitive. The country is moving from merely recognising the problem to putting concrete solutions into practice.