Developing green ports has become an inevitable trend, bringing competitive advantages to businesses in the current context.
In Hai Phong in particular and Vietnam in general, seaports are rushing to the green transformation track. The first step is to digitize port operations or use electric vehicles.
Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Port meets green port criteria according to the standards of Vietnam Maritime Administration.
Take advantage
As of the end of November 2024, in Hai Phong City, there are 2 seaport operators that meet the green port criteria according to the standards of the Vietnam Maritime Administration: Nam Dinh Vu Port and Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Port.
Specifically, Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Terminal Company Limited (TC-HICT) officially met the criteria according to the standards of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and was recognized as a green port with a score of 3.94/5 points in November 2024. Currently, many means of equipment at this port have been and are switching to electricity such as forklifts, internal buses, trailers, etc. At the same time, the port also applies many software and solutions such as ePort electronic port, using port management and operation software (TOPS), supporting the issuance of electronic invoices to customers.
In particular, up to now, 100% of TC-HICT's gantry cranes, yard cranes, and tugboats use electric energy. Thus, TC-HICT saves more than 3.5 million kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to 7.7 billion VND/year. The lighting system converted to LED lights helps save 114 thousand kW of electricity, equivalent to 275 million VND. The solar power system at the office headquarters helps the port save 136 million VND in electricity bills/year.
Previously, Nam Dinh Vu Port also met the criteria and was recognized as a green port with a score of 3.86/5 points. Accordingly, currently more than 90% of Nam Dinh Vu Port's equipment system uses electric energy and green energy instead of diesel-powered equipment.
According to Mr. Doan Trung Nguyen - Deputy General Director of Nam Dinh Vu Port, right from the beginning of operation, the port invested in a system of equipment using electric energy such as shore cranes and yard cranes instead of equipment operating on fossil fuels. At the same time, replacing and using LED bulbs on the entire shore crane system, yard cranes... The port also constantly improves the productivity of ship clearance, applies measures to reduce noise, reduce dust in the air, and radiation factors. In addition, investing in systems for collecting and treating wastewater, collecting, recycling and treating solid waste, toxic waste...
Currently, the seaports in Hai Phong are also highly appreciated by experts for gradually building a specific roadmap, suitable for the development practices of each enterprise to catch up with the green transformation trend. In particular, focusing on promoting the use of clean, low-carbon, environmentally friendly technology in seaport exploitation business activities. At the same time, thoroughly practicing saving and efficient use of energy to improve the working environment.
However, up to now, the green transformation process at Hai Phong seaports in particular and the whole country in general still lacks synchronization due to the lack of connectivity between units. Therefore, Hai Phong has not yet created a “revolution” to green seaports over the past time.
Choose the right time to break out
At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Vietnam and many other countries committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050. It is predicted that by 2030, any seaport or shipping channel that is not green will be removed from the list by shipping lines.
It is known that up to now, about 60 - 70% of newly built cargo ships in the world have switched to using green fuel. In the future, 100% of cargo ships will not use fossil fuels. Ships using green fuel require green ports and green ships. Therefore, it requires ports to urgently find effective and efficient greening solutions.
According to Mr. Pham Hong Minh - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company, the enterprise is continuing to complete the project to build two ports No. 3 and 4 of Hai Phong International Gateway Port in Lach Huyen, expected to be put into operation in 2025. To anticipate the construction of the port according to green port criteria, 6 STS container loading and unloading cranes and 24 RTG tire cranes serving the operation of berths 3 and 4 use 100% grid electricity, are operated semi-automatically, integrated with flexible control technology and smart control cabins.
At the same time, focus on investing in and developing advanced information technology systems to develop into a regional-scale electronic seaport, making information technology the backbone of business administration and port operations, creating competitive advantages for businesses.
Technology companies are also ready to conduct research, working side by side with Hai Phong's seaport enterprises in particular and Vietnam in general to enter the greening race.
“Currently, Viettel has some software and platforms related to cloud connection, AI and some smart port operations. However, we still need to cooperate with the world's leading technology companies to bring the best to apply to customers,” Mr. Ngoc added.