Saigon Port will relocate
to three new sites:
As Saigon Port is a multi-functional port with three
different types of cargo handling operations
- containers, goods in bulk and general goods -
it is convenient to locate them in three separate
areas, Saigon Port officials said.
According to Deputy Minister for Transport,
Tran Doan Tho, this suits a plan for ports
in Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces Dong
Nai and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
The three areas have been chosen for their geographical
advantages, including sufficient depth of their rivers,
suiting various types and sizes of cargo ships.
According to a survey by the ministry's consulting
bureau, the planned port in Ho Chi Minh City's Hiep
Phuoc district is able to receive
20,000dwt ships, while the ports along the Cai
Mep and Thi Vai rivers are suitable
for 50,000-80,000dwt ships.
To date Saigon Port seems to be the only port which
has found a suitable place to relocate to under a
government programme that aims to move nine ports
out of the crowded Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Port is conducting a feasibility study on the
set up of facilities in the new locations.
According to the relocation
plan, a 48-hectare container terminal will be situated
along the Thi Vai river with two 600-metre-long piers
capable of accommodating 80,000dwt vessels, while
the 27-hectare general goods terminal with two piers
also 600-metres long will be able to receive 50,000dwt
ships.
Meanwhile, the port planned
for Hiep Phuoc, covering 36 hectares, will have three
piers totalling 700 metres in length, and will accommodate
ships of up to 30,000dwt.
According to an estimate by the Vietnam Maritime Bureau,
about VND4,900 billion ($314 million) is needed to
develop the three ports to replace Saigon Port.
For others such as Saigon New Port, Ba Son Shipyard,
Tan Thuan Stevedoring Terminal, Ben Nghe, Vietnam
International Container Terminals, Bong Sen Port,
Vegetable Port and Tan Thuan Dong Port, new locations
have been proposed.
These include areas in Cat Lai, Hiep Phuoc and Nhin
Trach in Dong Nai province; Cai Mep and Thi Vai rivers
in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
A shipping analyst said: "Time is running out
for the other ports to find new sites if relocation
is to go according to the plan."
Vir - 22 Dec 2003
