Dong Nai Port Enhancing Capacity and Service Quality

Situated in a prime location with modern cooperation and expert workforce, Dong Nai Port is becoming a top choice for transhipping goods. Despite facing numerous difficulties caused by the global economic crisis in the past time, the port operator has continuously invested in modern infrastructure and equipment and enhanced service quality. Vietnam Business Forum has an interview with Ms Nguyen Thi Bach Mai, General Director of Dong Nai Port Joint Stock Company, on the efforts and successes of the company. Quoc Hung reports.

 

I still remember that at the end of 2010, we placed quite a lot of expectations and set out high plans. However, in 2011, prices of materials and fuels increased significantly, but business could not be changed because of contract binding. Another difficulty was the slow progress of building the road connecting the port with Dong Nai Bridge. It was completed in October instead of March as planned, thus affecting annual operation results of the company.

 

Nonetheless, with continuous efforts and flexible solutions in 2011, Dong Nai Port impressively beat its targets. It had a cargo throughput of 2.8 million tonnes and earned revenues of VND126 billion.

 

Competition is intense on the market now. There are many ports operating along the Thi Vai River while the cargo volume is showing signs of decline. This is a huge challenge for port operation in the area. However, we had anticipated this context some years ago and made preparations to ensure the stable development of the company.

 

Indeed, we have to multiple our efforts to achieve these results in hard times. We regard keeping our customers as a top priority. And, the best way to do this is to satisfy them. So, we have adopted many solutions to improve service quality and professional capacity while enhancing infrastructure investment quality.

 

Dong Nai Port is located in a favourable position near industrial zones and facilitated by modern infrastructure. However, this advantage is not enough. We need to improve human resources and logistics services for sustainable growth.

 

The road under the Dong Nai Bridge is nearly 500 metres long and 12-16 metres wide. This road facilitates waterway cargo transportation in the region. Previously, containerised goods had to be transported by trailer overland from northern Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces to container ports like Cat Lai, SPCT or Cai Mep on the Thi Vai River. Since the road was open, containerised goods have been able to be handled at the port and carried by barges to deepwater ports like Cai Mep and Cat Lai, instead of via frequently congested roads.

 

For this reason, this route will open up opportunities and potential for the company’s container business.

 

At present, the 47.85-ha Dong Nai Port has nine wharves, two barge terminals and two warehouses covering 8,040 square metres. Long Binh Tan Terminal is gradually converting its function from general cargo service to container cargo service. The company has invested three berths for ships and a barge landing wharf. This facility can serve ships of 5,000 DWT.