As scheduled, wharfs No. 5 and No. 6 of Cua Lo port, invested by Tuan Loc Construction Joint Stock Company, have completed phase 1 and put into operation. However, the entire wharf is often blocked by fishermen's fishing boats.

Fishing boats occupy the entire wharf number 5 and number 6. Photo: Tran Chau

Mr. Nguyen Hong Son - Director of Cua Lo Port Company Limited, representing the investor, said: We invested 400 billion VND in building the port to contribute to the goal of attracting investment for the province, meeting the need for 30,000-ton ships to dock. However, as soon as the port was built, fishermen had already parked their ships, unable to receive cargo ships.

It is known that the entire 225m long wharf is often occupied by fishermen when they return to port, during monsoons, storms and even when the weather is clear. On the surface of the wharf, women use it to dry fish and shrimp.

At the port, fishermen comfortably repair their fishing gear after going to sea. Photo: Tran Chau

Talking to some fishermen, they said: We have petitioned the authorities for many years but no one has invested in a berth for our boats. Currently, we have no place to berth, so we have to berth at Cua Lo Port.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Son - Director of Cua Lo Port Company Limited said: We hope that all levels, sectors and Cua Lo town will pay attention to this issue; if the current situation continues, it will affect the investment environment as well as the interests of businesses, and shipping lines will also be reluctant to come to pick up and deliver goods.

Women dry fish and shrimp on the port after the ships and boats return to dock. Photo: Tran Chau

Not only Cua Lo Port Company, but also Nghe Tinh Port, this situation is causing businesses to waste human resources and lose competitiveness. Every time a cargo ship arrives, port staff mobilizes to call on ship owners to move their ships to another location. However, sometimes they cannot find the ship owners, so large ships have to wait outside, which is very costly.