 Containers loaded at Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port. (Photo: Dong Ha/tuoitre.vn) |
There are 145 container ports in Vietnam, operating across 25 localities. However, a large cargo throughput,huge workload, coupled with port operations mainly being done manually, are challenging the management and development of the seaport system.
The first challenge concerns seaport warehouses.Before Vietnam has its own domestic technology, port operators had to buy management solutions from international providers that can cost millions of USD, not to mention maintenance, human resource, and yearly upgrades costs. Some operators spent nearly 3.5 million USD a year for maintenance alone, creating human resource and financial burdens. Under these circumstances, many Vietnamese tech companies have joined in to untie the knot.
The Vietnam Smarthub Logistics - VSL digitizes and organizes all procedures in seaport operations through an online platform, which improves interactivity and information lookup between related units. The system also incorporates artificial intelligence technology to optimize procedures and reduce processing time.
"We have developed solutions for smart seaport models, covering entry and exit control, container layout, port crane operation, warehouses and cold storages management, shipping lines, berth operation, and wifi connection. All seaports are using their own software, which facilitates their operations and management of goods and help them make accurate decisions," said Tran Kien is Deputy Director of Advanced Global Vietnam, a digital solution provider for Vietnam's seaports.
 It now takes a container 3 seconds to gate out thanks to with QR scanning and AI verification. (Photo: dientuungdung.vn) |
Similarly, Smarthub Logistics Technology has built an ecosystem that met the industry's demands for comprehensive digital transformation. Previously, it took a container 5-8 minutes to gate out. Now this process only takes 3 seconds with QR scanning and AI verification. For receiving and delivering cargo, seaports' staff used to check cargo with unaided eyes and record the process on paper or with handheld devices. With VSL, container loading and unloading are verified using AI technology.
The system can also help with effective cargo storage and lookup. Before VSL, seaport operators had to store physical documents for 5 years as per regulations, creating problems when referencing information. With VSL, they can store documents on their servers or Cloud services, which is convenient, low-cost, and allows for instant lookup.
Seaport systems and logistic services for seaport operation play important roles in Vietnam's economic development. Investment in seaport infrastructure, including application of technology and digital transformation, has readied Vietnam for global economic challenges and attracted foreign investment in seaport logistics, contributing to stabilizing Vietnam's macro-economy.
 With VSL, seaports' staff can now rely on AI technology for container loading and unloading verification. (Photo: dientuungdung.vn) |
Marcello Piazza, CEO of JAS Worldwide Freight Forwarding Services, said, "The quality of the logistics sector grew into the economic development of the country itself. Therefore, it has been particularly attractive for the logistics sector in terms of foreign direct investment. And therefore our company, together with other multinational logistics providers have the ability to invest heavily into this prospective market."
"Nowadays, the competitiveness of Vietnam resides primarily in its dynamism, in the way that the young generation of Vietnam wants to take the lead in terms of the application of new ideas, investment on information technology, implementation of new infrastructure that allow the country to be more performing, having faster return on the investment that foreign companies put into the territory."
Developing high-quality seaport infrastructure and effective operation of seaport systems are decisive factors in building a successful economic development strategy, especially for countries with strong exports. In Vietnam, seaport digitalisation is a necessity for industrialisation and modernisation.
Vietnamese tech companies' readiness to provide digital solutions for seaport management and operation, online payments, and building ecosystems of seaport logistics in the spirit of Make In Vietnam, will help Vietnam's maritime economy develop and integrate sustainably.