Cat Lai Port is accelerating the adoption of technology and digital transformation in cargo handling and port management, helping improve logistics productivity and strengthen supply chain connectivity. This is also an important step toward modernizing Vietnam’s maritime infrastructure and realizing the country’s ambition of becoming a strong maritime nation.
Smart Ports: A Driving Force for Maritime Logistics Development
In line with the development orientation outlined in Resolution No. 20 of the Third Plenum of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the development of maritime infrastructure, logistics, science and technology, and digital transformation has been identified as a key priority for strengthening Vietnam’s marine economy.
In this context, seaports serve as critical links between maritime and road transportation, production activities, and consumer markets. Developing smart ports not only optimizes operational processes but also increases cargo-handling capacity and improves the quality of logistics services.
At Cat Lai Port, operated by Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, operations run continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Large volumes of vessels, vehicles, and cargo must be managed in a coordinated manner, requiring an operational system that ensures accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Tinh, Deputy Director of the Port Control Center at Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, emphasized that technology and data play a vital role in monitoring operations, managing cargo, and ensuring the smooth functioning of port activities.
Digital transformation helps shorten container delivery times.
Since 2008, Saigon Port Joint Stock Company has gradually developed its smart port model by applying technology across various operational stages, including container handling, cargo registration, electronic delivery and receipt, and vehicle access control.
Several technology systems have been deployed, including:
• TOPX: Supports port management and operational control.
• ePort: Digitizes online transactions, service bookings, notifications, and payments.
• eDO: Facilitates the processing of electronic delivery orders.
• eWMS: Enables electronic warehouse management.
• Automated gates: Automate vehicle entry and exit procedures at the port.
Integrating these systems has reduced manual workloads, minimized information-processing errors, and improved coordination among stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
Notably, the time required to collect or deliver a container at the port has been reduced from approximately two to three hours to around 30 minutes. This improvement benefits import-export businesses, shipping lines, and transport operators by saving time, increasing productivity, and optimizing operational resources.
Ms. Pham Thi Thu Ha, General Director of RCL Vietnam Shipping Company, praised Cat Lai Port’s cargo-handling capabilities and investment in advanced technologies. According to her, platforms such as ePort and eDO deliver significant benefits to customers while supporting more efficient vessel scheduling and cargo delivery and receipt processes.
Technology Enhances Cat Lai Port’s Cargo-Handling Capacity
In addition to shortening container delivery and collection times, digital transformation has also helped strengthen Cat Lai Port’s cargo-handling capacity.
According to Mr. Nguyen Vu Phuc, Deputy Head of the Information Technology Department at Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, the implementation of port management systems has helped increase the port’s handling capacity from its original design capacity of approximately 3 million TEUs to around 6 million TEUs per year.
The system tracks container locations, gate entry and exit times, and cargo status. This information helps ensure that containers are placed in the correct locations within the yard, enabling faster and more efficient loading and unloading operations.
Rather than relying heavily on manual processes, information is managed centrally through a shared data system. Customers can also receive updates on cargo status, allowing them to plan transportation and deliveries more effectively.
These capabilities provide an important foundation for improving port productivity, reducing waiting times, and strengthening coordination between seaports and transportation, freight forwarding, and import-export companies.
Saigon Newport Continues to Promote Digital Transformation
With the goal of advancing Vietnam’s maritime industry through modern infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation, and sustainable growth, Saigon Port Joint Stock Company continues to identify digital transformation as a key driver of future development.
Source:
https://vovworld.vn/
https://www.vietnam.vn/
________________________________________
VSSL: Viet Star Shipping Line
📞 +84 862 904 666
📩 info@vssl.com.vn
🏘️27-29 Ngo Thi Bi Street, Tan Hung Ward, Hochiminh City
