In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Da Nang Port are now putting in place more drastic measures to fulfill its ‘dual missions’ of preventing the spread of the virus and maintaining its production, in a bid to keep the supply chain functioning smoothly.

Customers and the staff of the Customer Service Centre of the Tien Sa Port are strictly practising the city government-imposed infection prevention and control measures.

Mr Tran Le Tuan, the Acting General Director of the Da Nang Port Joint Stock Company said very special importance is attached to ensuring ultimate safety for its staff members in the workplace by enforcing preventive hygiene measures.

In particular, a task force has been set up by the company to monitor the strict compliance with infection prevention and control measures amongst its staff members. The staff are required to wear face coverings and personal protective gears in the workplace. 

Also, all the port’s staff and visitors are required to respect the compulsory physical distancing rules – staying two metres apart, and to promote the use of digital documentation so as to limit human contact to the minimum.

Besides, the company has also worked closely with the Da Nang Maritime and Port Administration to tighten the monitoring of any ships anchoring at the port.

At this challenging time triggered by the virus, the port remains open for ship calls. In an attempt to contain the spread of the virus, limiting physical interaction between onboard and onshore staff is one of the strict requirements.

According to Mr Trinh The Cuong, the Director of Da Nang Maritime Administration, before making a port entry for loading and discharging operations, any foreign-flagged ships are required to move to a pontoon dock for their disinfection and the health checkups of their crew members. 

During the duration of loading and discharging operations, the crew members are banned from coming ashore, except the specific cases to be agreed upon when necessary for the normal operation of the ship.  Also, the crew are encouraged to communicate with quayside staff by radio or telephone.  Any cases of illness or bad feeling amongst them are required to be reported to the port authorities.

In parallel with upswing the virus prevention measures, importance is being attached to ensuring the smooth transportation of cargo through the port.

In order to maintain the freight forwarding activities, the port authorities have asked for permission from the municipal government to allow vehicles to come in and go out of the port for the transportation of goods to industrial parks and economic clusters and large manufacturing facilities across the city, provided that infection prevention and control measures are put in place in accordance with the Health Ministry’s guidelines.

Besides, efforts have been taken to completely clear the piling up of containers left unattended at the port due to non-availability of labourers to ship them out.

Another heed has also been paid to promoting the use of e-custom declaration services at the port, and ensuring closer connections and operation amongst local agencies involved in maritime operation activities.

“The port authorities have created all favourable conditions as they can for the fastest and best movement of cargo.  We are very pleased with their work dedication and kind support.”, Ms Phan Thi Thuan, a representative from a local business said whilst implementing freight related transactions at the port.

The Da Nang Port has set this year’s target of generating 855 billion VND in revenue, including 240 billion VND in profits.

By THANH LAN – Translated by A.T