DAMCO will invest more than US$4 million and operate a 26,000-square metre logistics centre built by Thai Binh Shoes Logistics (TBSL) in Binh Duong, 25 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, the company announced.

Said Damco country manager Narin Phol: "The new facility is positioned to meet customer needs for quality and flexible integrated logistics solutions in one of the fastest growing regions in Vietnam. It will become a central gateway in our distribution networks connecting south, central and north Vietnam."

TBSL's parent company TBS Group's CEO Nguyen Duc Thuan said: "This warehouse, built to Damco's global standards, will be state of the art in Vietnam, with modern security and fire fighting systems and the latest technology features."

The logistics centre, well connected by road transport and possibly by barge infrastructure in the future to cut down transport costs and carbon emissions, will provide services to Cat Lai Port and Cai Mep Port. It will enhance Damco's "network presence" in Vietnam, which comprises of nine existing warehouse sites of 37,000 square metres at major gateways across the country.

"Vietnam is a key market for Damco and we will continue to invest in infrastructure, technology and people to support the increasing demands from our customers here. We have taken active roles to support the advancement of the domestic logistics industry by working with private and government sectors to improve supply chain efficiency in Vietnam. We are well-positioned to increase our market share in Vietnam," said Damco Asia Pacific CEO Tony Hotine.

Damco, a Maersk unit, has been in Vietnam for 15 years, employs 400 people locally. With a global staff of 10,500 people and 280 offices in 120 countries, it handled 2.3 million TEU of ocean freight and supply chain management volumes as well as 60,000 tonnes of air cargo with a net turnover of $2 billion in 2009.

TBSL, founded in 2009, offers quality transport and warehousing services in Vietnam.

Source: shipping online