Enhancing state management of maritime affairs.

(Baonghean)Nghe An seaport is an important hub in the North Central region, serving as a crucial trade link not only with localities within Vietnam but also with countries in the region.

Nghe An's nascent maritime economy has made remarkable progress in recent decades. In 1993, the volume of goods handled through Nghe An's port system was only 500,000 tons, but by 2012, this figure had nearly increased fivefold to 2.3 million tons. Not only has Cua Lo Port been upgraded and expanded to accommodate ships over 10,000 tons, but a series of port projects have been and are being implemented, such as the Cua Lo Deepwater Port Project and the Dong Hoi Port (Quynh Luu).

On May 21, 1993, the Nghe An Port Authority (formerly the Nghe Tinh Port Authority) was established according to Decision No. 277/QD-TCCB-LD of the Vietnam Maritime Administration. Over 20 years of development, the Nghe An Maritime Port Authority has made remarkable progress. Initially, the unit had only 8 staff members and 4 rented offices at Cua Lo Port. Its only means of transportation was a dilapidated 75CV vessel. Today, the total number of staff has reached 34. With a spacious office, the unit acquired a 180CV vessel in 2001 and is currently undertaking a project to build a new 920CV vessel.

Loading and unloading goods at Cua Lo Port. Photo: SM

Alongside strengthening infrastructure, the staff of the Nghe An Port Authority are focusing on the task of state management of maritime affairs in the area to ensure maritime safety and security, prevent environmental pollution, and create a favorable maritime legal environment for the effective production and business activities of units and enterprises in the area.

Annually, the unit organizes workshops and conferences to disseminate legal regulations to relevant management entities. It also organizes conferences to evaluate the implementation of government decrees by maritime enterprises operating at Nghe An seaports. Conferences are held between organizations responsible for state management at seaports to assess coordination and address difficulties and obstacles. Furthermore, it conducts awareness campaigns down to the commune and ward levels, reaching ship owners anchored near the port's waterfront, regarding compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Administrative procedures have been continuously improved, better meeting the requirements for ships entering and leaving the port, ensuring convenient, timely, and even ahead of schedule. In its 20 years of operation, the Nghe An Port Authority has processed tens of thousands of ship entries and exits safely, facilitating the passage of tens of millions of tons of cargo. The number of ships entering and leaving the port annually has increased by 10-20%. Over 20 years of development, in 2012 the number of ships entering and leaving the port reached 337% compared to 1994, and the volume of goods handled reached 230% compared to 2004. In this overall achievement, the Nghe An Port Authority has made a significant contribution by efficiently handling administrative procedures without causing inconvenience to businesses, thus attracting companies to Nghe An Port.

The Nghe An Port Authority pays special attention to maritime safety and search and rescue operations. Adhering closely to the requirements of specialized maritime management and based on the law, the Nghe An Port Authority has focused on three aspects of this work: disseminating legal information, strengthening inspection and supervision, and strictly handling administrative violations in the maritime sector by managed entities. It also coordinates with the river police to inspect waterways once a month. Furthermore, it collaborates with the Fire and Rescue Police to inspect 100% of Vietnamese vessels arriving at the port for maritime safety. Search and rescue operations are maintained 24/7. Upon receiving information about vessels in distress at sea, it coordinates with relevant agencies to organize search and rescue efforts to minimize losses of life and property.

Alongside fulfilling its professional duties, the unit has always prioritized the training and development of its staff. Recognizing that staff competence is key to success, the Nghe An Port Authority has consistently focused on staff training over the years through various methods, including organizing professional training courses both domestically and internationally. To date, two staff members have been granted foreign vessel inspection cards by the Vietnam Maritime Administration. 22 out of 34 staff members hold university degrees, two have advanced political training, 90% of staff have B-level English proficiency, and 100% are computer literate. This is the foundation the Nghe An Port Authority is equipping its staff with to enter the integrated economy of Nghe An province in particular and Vietnam in general.

The contributions of the Nghe An Port Authority over the past years have been recognized by all levels and sectors. For four consecutive years, the unit has been awarded the Excellent Flag by the People's Committee of Nghe An province, twice received the Emulation Flag from the Ministry of Transport, and five times received the title of Outstanding Advanced Unit from the Ministry of Transport. In 2007, it was honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, and on this occasion, the unit was honored to receive the Third-Class Labor Medal for the collective and one individual.

Vo Ta Thien (Director of Nghe An Port Authority)