Cargo containers are unloaded from a ship at Da Nang Port. The port handled a record 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2013.

"The route will promote trading from Vietnam's central region with cargo ships from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam via the East-West Economic Corridor to Kawasaki and Shanghai," Thu said.

"It means that Da Nang Port will host cargo ships this year. As scheduled, the route will help transport an average of 200 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) per week," he said.

The beginning of ships traveling on the cargo route marks the 20th anniversary of friendship established between Da Nang and Kawasaki Port.

Da Nang Port handled a record 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2013, including 167,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit).

The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) Vietnam had agreed to provide financial aid to Lien Chieu Port and Tien Sa Port in Da Nang for the second phase of construction.

Tien Sa port only allows access to 30,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) ships, while 50,000 DWT container ships can dock at Lien Chieu.