At the conference, the representatives listened to customers’ difficulties about direct handling services at Cai Mep area, and presented feasible solutions to enhance the brandname Saigon Newport and to tighten the cooperation between SNP and customers. Through frankness and sincerity, the conference noted customers’ comments from such companies as Shingmark, Pomina Steel, Duong Nhat Phu, MOL, OOCL, APL… Most comments were about policies to support customers and reduce cost when direct handling containers at Cai Mep area..
Another hot topic was about legal procedures (Customs, inspection, weighting, documentary…) and operation procedures between Cai Mep and Cat Lai to optimize capacity. Currently, the following shipping lines – ZIM, MOL, OOCL, Hanjin, Happag Lloyd, CSCL – allow empty container drop-off at Tan Cang – Cai Mep Terminal to help minimize time for customers from My Xuan IP, Phu My IP, Long Thanh IP, Nhon Trach IP, Bien Hoa IP… Tan Cang Waterway Transport JSC – a subsidiary of SNP – is working on new services between Mekong Delta and Cai Mep area. Mekong Delta has a high level of export, so directly connecting to this area will help reduce pressure from Cat Lai Terminal by reducing transferring time and cost; besides, customers can control the stuffing at their factories or warehouses. Tan Cang Waterway Transport JSC is also planning new depots at the Mekong Delta.
SNP’s management also presented SNP’s solutions to boost direct handling at Cai Mep area, focusing on: enhancing empty container services; providing logistics services by SNPL and Vung Tau Logistics at competitive prices; discounting 30% Lift-on / Lift-off fee until end of 2015; special policies on commission…
Representative from Ba Ria – Vung Tau Customs Department answered questions about Custom procedures, such as IT system, single-door customs procedure, inspection procedure… Customs Department promised to facilitate customers at Cai Mep area. After getting a request about Customs’ hotline, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Customs Department established a hotline number 091 197 0000 to help customers about procedure.
Deep-water ports at Cai Mep area started operation in June 2009, after 9 years, their throughput volume increased quickly; currently there are 24,000 – 29,000 teus handled weekly. Throughput volume of SNP’s Cai Mep ports is accounted for 63.5% marketshare of the area. 90% throughput still has to transfer to Cat Lai Terminal and other neighboring ports and ICDs for delivery, which puts lots of pressure on berthing schedule and traffic. If the level of direct delivery is increased, operation at Cai Mep area will be more efficient, and Cat Lai Terminal will be able to upgrade service quality. To do that needs coordination between local authorities, shipping lines and logistics providers and comprehensive policies to increase direct delivery at Cai Mep area.
