Maersk and Hateco Plan $3.5 Billion Vietnam Rail Freight Terminal Network

A.P. Moller-Maersk’s port operating unit, APM Terminals, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnamese conglomerate Hateco to develop a rail freight terminal network in Vietnam, a project estimated to require investment of up to $3.5 billion.

The agreement was signed in Copenhagen during Vietnamese President To Lam’s official visit to Denmark, according to a statement from Hateco.

Context: Port congestion, freight rates and charges

The proposed development would include a rail freight terminal in Haiphong and three container facilities in northern Vietnamese provinces. The network is intended to link industrial parks, logistics centres and manufacturing areas with major transport hubs.

Operational context

Hateco said the facilities would use digital technology to improve cargo handling and storage while providing connections to seaports and rail infrastructure. The companies expect the project to help reduce road congestion and create additional options for cross-border cargo movements.

The initiative comes as Vietnam increases investment in transport and logistics infrastructure in support of its economic growth ambitions. Railway development has been identified as a priority as the country seeks to expand connectivity, mobilise private capital and strengthen logistics capacity.

Maersk and Hateco already cooperate on a $400 million container port project in Haiphong, according to the Vietnamese company. Maersk is also increasing investment in joint projects including the Lien Chieu container terminal port in Danang.

The latest memorandum sets out plans for a broader rail-linked container system, although the source material did not provide a construction timetable, terminal capacities or details on the proposed funding structure.

For APM Terminals, the planned network would extend its involvement in Vietnam beyond port infrastructure into inland and rail-connected logistics. For Vietnam, the project could support the movement of containerised cargo between production areas, logistics hubs and maritime gateways in the country’s north.