Chennai Port Enhances India–Vietnam Connectivity With Commencement of HAIAN CVI Service

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Chennai Port Authority on 3 October 2026 welcomed the commencement of the HAIAN CVI monthly container service to one of its Terminal — CCTL (DP World Chennai), operated by HAIAN Lines, connecting Chennai with Port Klang West, Haiphong and Nansha.

The first call of the service at Chennai was marked by a ceremonial flag exchange and cake-cutting ceremony onboard M.V. HAIAN BETA, signifying the commencement of the new service. The service rotation is Chennai – Port Klang West – Haiphong – Nansha.

The new service provides an additional regular maritime connectivity option between Chennai and Vietnam, while also strengthening Chennai Port’s links with key trade centres in Malaysia and South China.

Commenting on the new service, Sachin S. Kurve, IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, said:

“The growing India–Vietnam trade relationship presents significant opportunities for strengthening maritime connectivity between the two countries. The commencement of HAIAN’s CVI service provides exporters and importers with an additional regular shipping option connecting Chennai with Vietnam and the wider Southeast Asian and South China markets. Chennai Port, with its strong industrial hinterland, established container terminals and continued focus on trade facilitation, is well positioned to support the growth of this important trade corridor.”

The Chairperson appreciated the efforts of HAIAN Lines, Samsara Shipping and DP World Chennai in commencing the service and expressed confidence that the new connectivity would facilitate greater opportunities for exporters and importers and further strengthen Chennai Port’s role as a gateway for the southern Indian hinterland.

Growing India–Vietnam trade

India–Vietnam merchandise trade has continued to expand significantly. According to the Embassy of India, Hanoi, based on Department of Commerce data, bilateral merchandise trade reached US$18.28 billion in FY 2025–26, registering a 15.98% year-on-year increase. India’s exports to Vietnam stood at US$6.67 billion, while imports from Vietnam were US$11.62 billion.

The trade basket covers a wide range of commodities. Major Indian exports to Vietnam during FY 2025–26 included meat and meat products, aluminium, seafood, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, electrical equipment, cereals, animal-feed ingredients and auto components.

Imports from Vietnam included mobile phones and electronic items, machinery and equipment, iron and steel, copper, plastics, chemicals, coffee, tea, spices, aluminium and glass products.

The positive momentum has continued into FY 2026–27. During April–July 2026, India’s exports to Vietnam were approximately US$2.6 billion. The latest Department of Commerce Trade Stat database currently contains country-wise monthly data through July 2026, with July 2026 shown as final data.

Opportunities for Chennai Port

The expanding India–Vietnam trade relationship presents significant opportunities for strengthening containerised trade through Chennai Port. The industrial hinterland of Chennai and Tamil Nadu has a strong presence in automobiles and auto components, engineering goods, electronics, machinery, chemicals, textiles and other manufacturing sectors, creating potential for both export and import cargo.

The growing trade relationship also provides scope for deeper integration of Indian and Vietnamese manufacturing and supply chains, with reliable maritime connectivity playing an important role in supporting exporters and importers.

India and Vietnam have also agreed to explore practical measures towards achieving a bilateral trade target of US$25 billion by 2030, providing a broader framework for further expansion of commercial and maritime linkages.

Chennai Port’s trade facilitation ecosystem

Chennai Port Authority is continuously strengthening its container-handling and trade facilitation ecosystem to meet the requirements of exporters, importers, shipping lines and logistics stakeholders.

The Port is served by two major container terminals operated by PSA Chennai and DP World Chennai, supported by an established container logistics ecosystem and connectivity with the industrial hinterland.

Chennai Port has also established a Port Trade Facilitation Cell, with focus on digitisation of import and export processes, promotion of transhipment, and facilitation of shipping-line and rail connectivity.

The commencement of the HAIAN CVI service complements these initiatives by adding another regular connection to the Asian trade network and providing the trade with an additional shipping option for movement between Chennai, Vietnam and other major Asian markets.

The inaugural programme was attended by senior officials of Chennai Port Authority and representatives of HAIAN Lines, Samsara Shipping and DP World Chennai. The programme onboard M.V. HAIAN BETA included the ceremonial flag exchange between Chennai Port and HAIAN Lines, followed by cake cutting marking commencement of the service and a group photograph.

The second part of the programme was held at the DP World Conference Hall, bringing together the participating stakeholders to mark the commencement of the new service.

HAIAN CVI Service Vessel Rotation:

CHENNAI → PORT KLANG WEST → HAIPHONG → NANSHA

The monthly service connects Chennai directly with Haiphong, Vietnam, while also providing connectivity with Port Klang West, Malaysia, and Nansha, China, thereby strengthening Chennai Port’s access to important Asian trade markets.