Solving difficulties for sea transport

VCN - Solving difficulties for sea transportMany shipping companies have reported that the low rate of issuance of road permits and pandemic prevention regulations in some localities are affecting the delivery process, increasing the risk of inventory piling up at the port. Therefore, shipping enterprises propose to have an open mechanism for maritime activities. At the same time giving priority to vaccination to effectively maintain the supply chain of goods.
Instructions on proof of transport in CPTPP Instructions on proof of transport in CPTPP
Solving difficulties for sea transport
Localities need to consider and relax regulations on vaccination and allow crew members with PCR test certificates and traveling from green areas to move through the province to serve alternative work. Photo: Internet.

Proposing to increase the issuance of road permits

Referring to the current difficulties, General Director of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) Nguyen Canh Tinh said, the current difficulty is that ships docked at Hai Phong seaport crews were replaced, but the crews were reserved in many different locations. In replacing them, they are forced to meet the requirements of 14 days quarantine if they enter Hai Phong city, which means that the ship has to wait 14 days at the port, incurring many costs.

“In fact, crew members only go through Hai Phong, but do not stay. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport needs to suggest to provinces and cities to create conditions for seafarers to have PCR test certificates and accept Covid-19 prevention rules to be able to board the ship," said General Director Nguyen Canh Tinh.

Having the same difficulty as VIMC, Deputy Director of Vinaship Ocean Shipping Company Duong Ngoc Tu said that the company's ships mainly dock at Quang Ninh seaport.

At present, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province has issued a regulation that people from outside the province must have a valid PCR test certificate and two doses of the vaccine. This regulation makes the replacement of crew members difficult for the company because the percentage of crew members who have received the second injection is quite low.

"Localities need to consider and relax regulations on vaccination, allow crewmembers with PCR test certificates and travel from green areas to move through the province to serve replacement work," said Mr. Duong Ngoc Tu.

According to Mr. Ngo Anh Tuan, General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Maritime Agents and Brokers, with the current situation, the activity that needs to be paid attention to is the changing of crew members. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is difficult for Vietnamese crew members to change as according to international maritime labor laws, many crew members have worked for ten months at sea and have not been replaced.

“At the same time, some localities are following social distancing according to Directive 16 such as Ho Chi Minh City, the amount of travel permits issued to agents is very limited, only one to two are issued for each business. Meanwhile, the implementation of regulations on immigration procedures or when the ship has problems also need the presence of agents. In the context of the pandemic, foreign ships limit people on board, the role of maritime agents is even more urgent. The time it takes for each container ship to enter the port for cargo handling is usually very fast, only from 20 to 26 hours, but it is difficult for the agent to carry out procedures for the ship to enter and exit the port, especially at midnight," Mr. Tuan shared.

Prioritize vaccination for seaport workers

Regarding vaccination, according to preliminary statistics, more than 4,200 seafarers have been vaccinated at seaports. The number of employees working at the seaport is more than 19,400 people and nearly 2,500 employees of shipping lines, pilots, agents and maritime services have been vaccinated.

Mr. Nguyen Canh Tinh also said that VIMC currently has 78 ships operating domestically and internationally with about 4,000 crew members. However, the number of sailors who are vaccinated against Covid-19 is only about 10%. The characteristics of ships are long-term, continuous operations at sea. Crew members infected with Covid-19 during navigation cannot have access to medical facilities on shore. The danger is not only for one person but for all 22 crew members on the ship, seriously affecting the supply chain transporting goods.

Businesses are concerned not only for seafarers but also for on-site staff and workers because they have not been given priority for vaccines. Mr. Phung Ngoc Minh, Deputy General Director of Saigon Newport Corporation, said that the local workforce in seaport areas should be given priority to vaccinate to be able to continue to work safely because if they are infected and cannot function, it will disrupt the supply chain of goods.

Facing the above situation, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said that local authorities also need to reconsider the issue of road permits. Operation at seaports is special, in order to maintain it, there must be enough forces from customs, port authorities, health care workers, drivers, forwarding agents to workers, etc. The rate of issuing road permits must reach 70 - 80% to ensure enough human resources to participate in exploitation in the port area, not only 10-20% as at present.

In addition, the Ministry of Transport is also directing the development of a plan to reopen transport activities. This plan will give priority to those who have been vaccinated or successfully treated for the disease to join the transport chain with an eased and expanded route based on the disease control situation, helping workers and experts travel as smoothly as possible.

By Xuan Thao/Quynh Lan

Related News

Exposing a transnational drug ring hidden in pet food

Exposing a transnational drug ring hidden in pet food

VCN - The Hanoi City Police Investigation Agency has completed the investigation and concluded the investigation into the case of illegal transportation of drugs from the Czech Republic to Vietnam.
Further improvement needed in work permit issuance

Further improvement needed in work permit issuance

VCN - Further improving procedures for granting work permits and business licenses to enterprises will make Vietnam more attractive to foreign investors.
Corporate bond issuance doubles in seven months

Corporate bond issuance doubles in seven months

VCN – Reporting on the situation of the corporate bond market, the Ministry of Finance said that in July 2024, there were 56 successful individual corporate bond issuances with a volume of about VND45 trillion, decreasing by 15% compared to June 2024 and increasing by 57% compared to the same period in 2023.
An Giang Customs catches man illegally transporting 1.2 kg of gold across border gate

An Giang Customs catches man illegally transporting 1.2 kg of gold across border gate

VCN - Khanh Binh Border Gate Customs Branch (An Giang Customs Department) presided over and coordinated with other authorities to catch a man, Cambodian nationality, illegally transporting 1.2 kg of gold across the border gate.

Latest News

Many factors affecting tuna exports in the last months of the year

Many factors affecting tuna exports in the last months of the year

VCN - Tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, tuna businesses are worried, they may have to stop export orders to the Israeli market in the last months of the year.
Vietnam still dominates Philippine rice import

Vietnam still dominates Philippine rice import

Vietnam continues to assert its dominance as the top rice exporter to the Philippines, with 2.91 million tonnes shipped as of the late October, or over 79% of the Philippines' total rice imports, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines.
Vietnam cements ties with partners to engage in global semiconductor, AI industries

Vietnam cements ties with partners to engage in global semiconductor, AI industries

By boosting cooperation with reputable partners across the globe, Vietnam is taking steps to gain a foothold in the world’s semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.
Aquatic exports expected to rise in year-end despite challenges

Aquatic exports expected to rise in year-end despite challenges

Aquatic exports is expected to surge in the remaining months of this year, as the year-end festive season comes, despite many challenges in the international markets, according to insiders.

More News

Trade Defense: The Key to Success for Vietnamese Businesses

Trade Defense: The Key to Success for Vietnamese Businesses

VCN - From losses and near bankruptcy, many domestic enterprises have recovered thanks to timely application of trade defense measures. Trade defense is also an effective shield for Vietnamese enterprises against a series of lawsuits from importing countries, thereby maintaining advantages and developing on "away grounds".
Lao Cai Customs sees a triple-digit surge in export-import turnover

Lao Cai Customs sees a triple-digit surge in export-import turnover

VCN - Updated from the beginning of the year to October 24, total import and export turnover through Lao Cai Customs Department increased by 102%.
Coconut is expected to become a billion-dollar export item

Coconut is expected to become a billion-dollar export item

VCN - Talking to the press at the ceremony to launch the first train carrying fresh coconuts to China, Mr. Luu Van Phi, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Tien Giang province, said that Vietnam's agricultural export potential, especially fresh coconuts, is expanding with the appearance of international railway transportation from Song Than station.
Plastic exporters interested in converting to recycling technology

Plastic exporters interested in converting to recycling technology

VCN - The Vietnamese plastics industry is facing major challenges in terms of plastic waste and recycling needs. Secretary General of the Vietnam Plastics Association Huynh Thi My (pictured) shared important information about the transformation in production of plastics enterprises to meet increasing export demands.
Logistics sector must embrace innovative trends to stay competitive

Logistics sector must embrace innovative trends to stay competitive

The Vietnamese logistics industry must adapt to new trends and enhance infrastructure to remain globally competitive, speakers said at an event in Ho Chi Minh City on October 31.
Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic product exports likely to set new record

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic product exports likely to set new record

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic product exports are likely to achieve a record high of 62 billion USD in 2024, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien.
UKVFTA greatly benefits Vietnam-UK trade: Experts

UKVFTA greatly benefits Vietnam-UK trade: Experts

The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), signed into law three years ago, has clearly benefited trade cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the context of Vietnam’s exports to most other major markets declining due to geopolitical tensions and headwinds in the global economy, said experts at a conference in Hanoi on October 30.
Agricultural exports likely to exceed 60 billion USD amid challenges

Agricultural exports likely to exceed 60 billion USD amid challenges

With swift production recovery and continued growth, Vietnam's agricultural sector could potentially surpass the 60 billion USD export target, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
Vietnam-Philippines trade likely to exceed 8 billion USD for first time

Vietnam-Philippines trade likely to exceed 8 billion USD for first time

With the current rising trend, trade between Vietnam and the Philippines is likely to exceed 8 billion USD for the first time to hit about 8.5 billion USD in 2024, with Vietnam’s surplus of more than 3 billion USD, according to the Vietnamese Trade Office in the Philippines.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Many factors affecting tuna exports in the last months of the year

Many factors affecting tuna exports in the last months of the year

VCN - In recent years, Israel has always been Vietnam's leading tuna export market after the US and the EU. Therefore, the recent escalation of Israel-Iran tensions is affecting Vietnam's tuna exports to this market.
Vietnam still dominates Philippine rice import

Vietnam still dominates Philippine rice import

Vietnam continues to assert its dominance as the top rice exporter to the Philippines, with 2.91 million tonnes shipped as of the late October, or over 79% of the Philippines' total rice imports, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines.
Vietnam cements ties with partners to engage in global semiconductor, AI industries

Vietnam cements ties with partners to engage in global semiconductor, AI industries

By boosting cooperation with reputable partners across the globe, Vietnam is taking steps to gain a foothold in the world’s semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.
Aquatic exports expected to rise in year-end despite challenges

Aquatic exports expected to rise in year-end despite challenges

Aquatic exports is expected to surge in the remaining months of this year, as the year-end festive season comes, despite many challenges in the international markets, according to insiders.
Trade Defense: The Key to Success for Vietnamese Businesses

Trade Defense: The Key to Success for Vietnamese Businesses

VCN - From losses and near bankruptcy, many domestic enterprises have recovered thanks to timely application of trade defense measures. Trade defense is also an effective shield for Vietnamese enterprises against a series of lawsuits from importing countr
Mobile Version