Ho Chi Minh City
UN/LOCODE VNSGN · Vietnam · IMO-designated crew-change hub
Why this port is a crew-change hub
Ho Chi Minh City is one of 115 ports named in IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1636 as a designated crew-change hub. Ports made the list on the basis of accessible international airports, established agent networks, welfare-centre infrastructure, and — during the pandemic — visa-facilitation frameworks that allowed sign-on and sign-off crew to transit without lengthy quarantine. That combination continues to make these ports the practical corridors most seafarers move through today.
Airport and transit
Nearest major airport for crew changes is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), roughly 6 km from the port. Confirm the exact terminal handover point with the ship's agent — many hubs have multiple terminals with different immigration processes.
Shore leave and practical briefing
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's commercial and largest port, with several terminals: Cat Lai (the main container facility), Cai Mep international port (deep-sea), Saigon Port. Shore leave is granted under standard Vietnamese procedure. Welfare provision via Stella Maris Saigon + Mission to Seafarers.