Hon Khoai Port Coal Terminal
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Hon Khoai Port is a proposed deep-water seaport and coal terminal on the Southeast of Hon Khoai Island of Ca Mau, Vietnam.
Hon Khoai Port will be invested to become the largest seaport in Vietnam, making the main link, opening new gateway connection port of global goods and services in Vietnam, especially coal, petroleum and container.[1]
Location
The map below shows the approximate location for the proposed port.
Background
In September 2014 a feasibility study for the proposed Hon Khoai port in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam was conducted by the Vietnam Marine Administration in partnership with Australia-based N&M Commodities. The Australian firm proposed building 24 piers at the port and estimated the project would cost US$3.5 billion and take two years to complete. Around half of the ships would be supplying coal.[2]
In January 2015 Bechtel, the largest construction and civil engineering company in the U.S., signed a deal with Vietnamese firm Van Phong to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed port. The study will evaluate the demand for a coal import port in Hon Khoai to fuel thermal power plants in the Mekong Delta region.[2] Bechtel's study planned for 12 transhipment berths at the port, half of which will be dedicated to non-coal imports.[3]
Graham Ong-Webb from the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore believes the proposal only makes financial sense with the May 2015 announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between China and Thailand to build the US$28 billion Kra Canal through Thailand’s Kra Isthmus, allowing ships to bypass the busy port hubs of Singapore and Malaysia.[3]
According to the academic article, the project's expected capacity was 8 mtpa.[1] Saigon News reported that a group of governmental staff and investors surveyed Hon Khoai port on May 23, 2024 and had a working session with the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province to discuss construction plans for the expansion and upgrading of the connected transportation system.[4]
As of 2026, the planned capacity is 20 mtpa.[5] Although, coal is not mentioned. It is presented as a dual-purpose port serving national defense and security and socio-economic development; it includes berths for national defense and security, container terminals, general cargo terminals, bulk cargo terminals, and liquid/gas cargo terminals.[6] The development is conditional on needs and capabilities of the investors.[7]
Funding
The proposed US$2.5 billion Hon Khoai port may seek up to 85 percent of its finance from the US Export-Import Bank, if the Bank’s authority is reauthorized by US Congress.[3]
As of 2026, it appears the Vietnam Navy is the main investor of the project.[5]
Project Details
- Sponsor: Vietnam Navy[5]
- Location: Hon Khoai, Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province
- Coal Capacity: 20 mtpa[5]
- Status: Proposed
- Projected In Service:
- Type: Imports
- Source of Coal:
Articles and resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "An analysis of available solutions for commercial vessels to comply with IMO strategy on low sulphur," Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs and Shipping, June 25, 2020
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Bechtel considers investment in Hon Khoai port project," Port Finance International, Jan 15, 2015
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "New Viet port a clue to Kra Canal?" The Straits Times, Aug 20, 2015
- ↑ "Ministry examines planning of Hon Khoai deep-water seaport," Saigon News, May 25, 2024
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "CẢNG TỔNG HỢP LƯỠNG DỤNG HÒN KHOAI: HIỆN THỰC HÓA KHÁT VỌNG VƯƠN RA BIỂN LỚN Ở VÙNG CỰC NAM TỔ QUỐC". baohaiquanvietnam.vn. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- ↑ "Quyết định 1061/QĐ-BXD 2026 phê duyệt điều chỉnh quy hoạch hạ tầng hàng hải 2021-2030". luatvietnam.vn. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- ↑ "Quyết định 956/QĐ-BXD 2025 phê duyệt quy hoạch phát triển vùng đất, vùng nước cảng biển Cà Mau". luatvietnam.vn. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
