Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG) has added a new direct container service to Vietnam, further expanding its shipping network in Southeast Asia.

At QQCTU on June 26, an MSC vessel loaded 611 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of production and daily-use goods bound directly for Haiphong Port and Ho Chi Minh City Port. The operation marked the launch of Qingdao Port's new direct container service to Vietnam.

The route mainly handles exports from northern China's hinterland while reserving refrigerated and special-container capacity for Vietnamese fruit, aquatic products and electronic components on the return leg, supporting smoother two-way trade between China and Vietnam.

Previously, many goods from northern China to Vietnam had to be transshipped through southern ports, leading to schedule uncertainty and increased logistics costs. The new service directly connects northern ports with Vietnam's key northern and southern port areas, covering major commercial markets and improving delivery efficiency.

The route is Qingdao Port's 15th new container route this year and its fourth to Southeast Asia. Qingdao Port now operates more than 50 Southeast Asia routes, covering Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

For the maiden voyage, QQCTU coordinated berths, quay cranes and other yard equipment to ensure efficient vessel operations and stable schedules.

A container vessel berths at Qingdao Port as the new direct service to Vietnam begins operations. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]