Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) and joint-venture partner Saigon Investment Construction & Commerce Company Limited (SICC) have announced that construction has commenced on the Saigon International Terminals Vietnam Limited (SITV).

"SITV is an important addition to the HPH network of ports in Asia. We will continue to invest heavily in this project, and will commit significant resources to creating a world-class container handling facility, with an international reputation for excellence," said HPH managing director John Meredith.

SICC general director Hoang Van Hien said: "SICC is delighted to partner with HPH in the SITV project. Bringing in international port development and management expertise will assure SITV to rapidly establish itself as the premier container facility in the country."

HPH together with SICC, a major Vietnamese construction and real estate company, expect SITV to come on stream in 2010. The modern container facility will have a total quay length of 730 metres, 14 metres depth and a yard area of 33 hectares. SITV is located in the industrial Cai Mep and Thi Vai districts of Ba Ria Vung Tau province, an area especially designated by the Vietnamese government for the development of much needed container facilities.