The camera system at the gate for containers (Photo: VOV)

Previously, in order to take a container truck into Da Nang port, the driver had to submit a registration certificate and declare the number of the trailer and the container, and the weight into the management software for container handling (CATOS). The process was troublesome and time-consuming.

To deal with the situation, Da Nang port installed automatic container gate software (AutoGate) developed by the Phenikaa MaaS company.

AutoGate integrates many technological solutions, including reading the container code using an ACCR algorithm and artificial intelligence (AI), reading the license plate numbers of tractor and trailer using PLC to open and close the barrier, automatically reading the indicator of the electronic weighing terminal, using Robot (RPA) to execute commands, and sending information via the driver's phone app.

The software allows port customers to check in anywhere with an internet connection, reducing delivery times and saving the cost of printing and storing records.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, a driver for the Song Gia Hung Company, said, “Administrative procedures used to cause congestion at the gate. Now the e-system makes everything very fast. Everything is handled in a minute. It’s very convenient. Goods are delivered on schedule.”

Since late 2020, Da Nang port has used electronic port (ePort) software to handle delivery orders, customs clearance, invoices, and payments.

Developed by Vietnamese engineers, in 2021 ePort and AutoGate won first and third prize at the 16th Da Nang City Technical Innovation Contest, and both won Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Awards.

To load fuel without depending on petrol station staff and keep statistics on the amount of fuel used by each vehicle, Da Nang port installed installed Automatic Fuel Station, a fuel management software that won second prize at the 16th Danang City Technical Innovation Contest.

Vo Ha Phuong, chief representative of WanHai Lines in Da Nang, said, “When Da Nang port adopted the eDO (Electronic Delivery Order) application, it made things easier for import and export companies in the central region. This software helps to reduce the costs and the travel and waiting time.”

A scene at the Tien Sa port (Photo: VOV)

Da Nang port is the nucleus of a global logistics supply chain that works with a marine ecosystem consisting of the port authority, navigators, border guards, customs and tax authorities, shipping lines, and import-export businesses.

Since the e-port was implemented, it has helped to reduce waiting time, logistics costs, and the cost of operations, travel, and personnel.

Le Nam Hung, Deputy Director of the Portserco Logistics Company and Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Road Freight Transport Association, praised the steps taken by Da Nang port toward becoming a smart port.

Applauding the individuals and businesses of Da Nang port, Hung said, “Many of our member businesses who use the services of Da Nang port have praised the timely changes and improved quality of the ePort that makes it easier to connect shipping lines and customs agencies.”    

The application of ePort has improved Da Nang port’s management capabilities, optimized production and exploitation, reduced costs, improved exploitation productivity, provided high-quality services, and met customer requirements.

With three criteria – no contact, no paper, no cash – ePort has benefitted partners, sped up goods delivery, put goods into the supply chain quicker, and saved time and money for production and trading activities.

According to Tran Le Tuan, Director General of the Da Nang Port Company, “Da Nang port has outlined a digital transformation strategy until 2025 with a vision to 2030. We are striving to become a fully digitalized port by 2024 by applying state-of-the-art technologies in operation, exploitation, and management.”

“Da Nang port is determined to accelerate digital transformation to increase its competitiveness, reduce costs, and optimize business processes to put customers at the center and ensure that customers can interact anytime and anywhere in the digital space,” Tuan noted.

By putting into operation technological solutions, Da Nang port has helped its employees and partners access and retrieve data, saving 100,000 USD a year in paper and petrol costs and steadily increasing the port’s cargo throughput.

E-Port and Autogate have turned Da Nang port into an online seaport, improving its reputation and service quality.