UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
COURSE: LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT
CLASS:B01E
MID-TERM ASSIGNMENT

GROUP 1
FIELD TRIP CAT LAI PORT

N.o

Student name

Student ID

Contribution

1

Truong Hoang Thanh

215081152

100%

2

Pham Duy Tan

215083097

100%

3

Vu Thi Phuong Thao

195082075

100%

4

Le Huynh Anh Thu

215083998

100%

5

Le Ly Gia Thao

215083215

100%

6

Vo Le Thanh Hang

215082750


100%

Lecturer: Dong Thi Tra My
HCMC, December 23th ,2023.


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

TABLES OF CONTENTS
TABLES OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... 3
I.

Introduction of Saigon New Port ........................................................................................ 4

II.

How long does it take Cat Lai to unload and load cargoes again on a ship when it

arrives? Which equipment are used to unload cargoes at the wharf? Provide photos and
clearly explain functions and procedures of the equipment used to load and unload goods t the
wharf. .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1. Loading and unloading process at the port ...................................................................... 6
2. Equipments used in loading and unloading process ........................................................ 7
2.1 Gantry crane ................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Multi-function crane: .................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Container Stacking Crane ............................................................................................. 9

2.4 Overhead crane ............................................................................................................. 9
2.5 Forklift truck ............................................................................................................... 10
2.6 Container Vehicles ..................................................................................................... 11
III.

What types of ships does Cat Lai allow to dock? Why don't they let bigger ships dock

to carry more goods? ................................................................................................................ 11
1. Type of ships allowed to dock ....................................................................................... 11
2. Reasons why they don't let bigger ships dock to carry more goods .............................. 12
IV.

Does Cat Lai Port operate any green logistics development strategies? State their

sustainable development orientations. ...................................................................................... 14
1. Utilizing Green Vehicles ............................................................................................... 14
2. Optimizing Operations .................................................................................................. 15
3. Conserving Energy Usage: ............................................................................................ 16
V.

State the importance of seaports to the development of Vietnam economy .................... 17
1. Overview of the Port Industry in Vietnam 2015-2021 .................................................. 17
2. Contribution of Saigon New Port - the biggest port in Vietnam to Vietnam’s economy
18
1


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My


3. Potential for developing Vietnam's seaport system ....................................................... 19
REFERENCES: ........................................................................................................................ 20

2


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE I.1. Saigon New Port - Cat Lai port .................................................................4
FIGURE I.2. Tan Cang-Cat Lai port diagram ................................................................5
FIGURE II.1. Cargo loading and unloading process at Cat Lai ....................................6
FIGURE II.2. Gantry crane.............................................................................................7
FIGURE II.3. Multi-function crane .................................................................................8
FIGURE II.4. Container Stacking Crane ........................................................................9
FIGURE II.5. Overhead crane ........................................................................................9
FIGURE II.6. Forklift truck...........................................................................................10
FIGURE II.7. Container Vehicles .................................................................................11
FIGURE III.1. New port map ........................................................................................12
FIGURE IV.1. Electric forklifts in the warehouse of Cat Lai port. ..............................14
FIGURE IV.2. TOPX and TOP-VPN software ..............................................................15
FIGURE IV.3 Use solar energy and LED lights to reduce pressure ............................16
FIGURE V.1. Total amount of quantity of goods through seaports 2015-2021 ...........17
FIGURE V.2. Production volume and market share figures of Saigon New Port ........18

3



Logistics Management

I.

Dong Thi Tra My

Introduction of Saigon New Port
Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal (TCCL) is Vietnam's largest and most modern
international container port. The terminal is connected to National Highway 1,
Inner Ring Highway, Outer Ring Highway, HCM - Long Thanh - Dau Giay
Highway by Interprovincial Road 25 with a load of H30 on the whole route.
Cargoes can be easily and quickly transported from TCCL port to key economic
regions in Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An, Ba Ria Vung Tau, and Mekong
Delta provinces via these highways. 1
The TCCL Terminal is managed by the Operations Center - Saigon
Newport Corporation. The terminal is divided into three terminals: A, B, and C,
each with its own container area and berth for receiving barges and stuffing rice
cargoes. There are three empty container depots inside the Cat Lai terminal, and
four linked depots outside.

FIGURE I.1. Saigon New Port - Cat Lai port
Source: Saigonnewport
Cat Lai port used manual container and yard management methods prior to
2007. From 2008 to the present, Saigon Newport Corporation has registered to
use TOPX - a real-time management software developed in Australia, with the
function of automating nearly all stages of planning and yard management.
Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal was honored to receive the Green Port Award
in 2018, as part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting of the
APEC Port Service 4 Network Council (APSN), in Singapore. This is the first

port in Vietnam to receive this honor.
4


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

FIGURE I.2. Tan Cang-Cat Lai port diagram
Source:Saigonnewport
Layout of Tan Cang-Cat Lai:
+ Company: Saigon Newport Corporation
+ Total area: 160 hectares
+ Terminal capacity : 6,000,000 TEUs/year
+ Vessel capacity : 45,000 DWT
+ Berths: 9 berths (+1 berth for barging)
+ Berth length: 2,040m
+ Depth before berth: -12m
+ Input depth : -8.6m (tide: 0,8-3,8)

5


Logistics Management

II.

Dong Thi Tra My

How long does it take Cat Lai to unload and load cargoes again on a

ship when it arrives? Which equipment are used to unload cargoes at
the wharf? Provide photos and clearly explain functions and
procedures of the equipment used to load and unload goods at the
wharf.
1. Loading and unloading process at the port
Each ship that needs to load and unload goods will have 5-7 workers to
support and participate in the loading and unloading work arranged by the port.
Normally, these workers will be assigned positions: controlling the grab bridge,
signaling, lifting, loading cargo into the ship's hold, installing and removing
cables, and unloading cargo. Cat Lai needs 12-18 hours to unload and reload
goods on the ship when it docks.

FIGURE II.1. Cargo loading and unloading process at Cat Lai
Source: students from team 1

6


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

2. Equipments used in loading and unloading process
Loading and unloading goods at the port is understood as the work of
loading, lifting and moving goods from ports, warehouses to containers or
moving goods from ships, trucks, containers to warehouses in many forms, to
facilitate the transportation and storage of goods.

2.1 Gantry crane


FIGURE II.2. Gantry crane
Source: students from team 1
It is a type of crane installed on a fixed gantry and can move on rails. Gantry
cranes are often used to lift and lower heavy goods, installed at container ports
or placed at wharfs to load and unload containers on and off ships. A gantry crane
is a large industrial crane that has a gantry frame with mobile wheels to move on
a track or concrete floor. The loading systems of gantry cranes are often very
large and can lift up to hundreds of tons.

7


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

2.2 Multi-function crane:

FIGURE II.3. Multi-function crane
Source: students from team 1
It is a type of wharf equipment that serves the loading and unloading of
import and export goods in the port such as general goods, packages, bulk goods,
etc. The advantage of this crane is that it is easy to turn around and flexible in
choosing a position to lift and place containers without moving them. This type
is not specialized and has less productivity than gantry cranes.

8


Logistics Management


Dong Thi Tra My

2.3 Container Stacking Crane
It is a type of crane consisting of a frame with a base attached to a rail or

FIGURE II.4. Container Stacking Crane
Source: students from team 1
rubber roller and a trolley. Container sorting crane is a specialized mobile crane
used to arrange containers in the port's container yard.

2.4 Overhead crane

FIGURE II.5. Overhead crane
Source: viperwrl.com
It is a specialized equipment for loading and unloading light bulk cargoes
with unstable textures such as sand, ore, cotton, etc. out of ship holds. Overhead
cranes are essential for loading and unloading cargo from ships to the port and
9


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

vice versa. They can handle various types of cargo, including containers, bulk
materials, and general cargo.

2.5 Forklift truck


FIGURE II.6. Forklift truck
Source: students from team 1
A device used mainly in the process of loading and unloading goods,
moving goods to specific locations quickly or lifting items to a desired height.
Currently, there are many types of forklifts such as: electric forklifts, manual
forklifts, diesel forklifts, drum forklifts, etc. to meet different usage needs.

10


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

2.6 Container Vehicles

FIGURE II.7. Container Vehicles
Source: students from team 1
They are specialized vehicles for carrying containers, transporting
containers of goods to warehouses, gathering places or addresses as requested by
customers. In some cases, vehicles specifically designed for handling containers
within the port are referred to as container vehicles. Straddle carriers and reach
stackers are examples of such specialized equipment. Straddle carriers lift and
transport containers while moving on rails, and reach stackers are versatile
vehicles that can lift and stack containers in storage yards.

III.

What types of ships does Cat Lai allow to dock? Why don't they let
bigger ships dock to carry more goods?

1. Type of ships allowed to dock
Function and Cargo Handling:
+ Cat Lai primarily operates as a container port, handling container
ships that transport goods across the globe.
+ On the flip side, it also accommodates Feeder vessels—mediumsized ships with a capacity of approximately 2900 TEUs (Twentyfoot Equivalent Units) or less. These vessels serve as a crucial link
in the supply chain, connecting larger ports to smaller ones.

11


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

FIGURE III.1. New port map
Source: students from team 1
Despite its significance, Cat Lai Port grapples with certain limitations
owing to its riverine location. Being situated on a river rather than a deep-sea
location imposes constraints on its ability to accommodate larger vessels with
substantial cargo capacities. This limitation becomes evident when examining
the port's capacity to handle larger ships and a greater volume of goods.
The depth considerations further underscore the constraints faced by Cat
Lai Port.
The depth in front of the berth, a critical parameter when ships approach
the dock for cargo handling, reaches a maximum of 12 meters. However,
achieving this depth often necessitates dredging of the riverbed to ensure a
navigable depth for incoming vessels. This dredging process becomes an
essential part of port maintenance and infrastructure development.
The channel depth, representing the depth in the middle of the river where
boats navigate, is another limiting factor. With a depth of only 8.6 meters,

excluding tidal variations, the navigable space for vessels within the river is
restricted. This limitation poses challenges for larger ships, as they must navigate
through the relatively shallow channel.

2. Reasons why they don't let bigger ships dock to carry more goods
Cat Lai Port faces a notable challenge in accommodating larger vessels due
to the limitations imposed by the waterway's dimensions, which raise the risk of
grounding if vessels surpass the available space. The restricted physical
constraints of the river constrain the port's capacity to handle larger ships with
12


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

more significant cargo capacities, emphasizing the need for careful navigation
within the confined channel.
To mitigate the risk of grounding and ensure safe navigation, Cat Lai Port
enforces a weight restriction for incoming ships, capping the deadweight tonnage
at approximately 45,000 tons. This precautionary measure aims to strike a
balance between maximizing cargo capacity and maintaining the integrity of the
waterway to prevent potential accidents or disruptions to maritime operations.
Despite these limitations, Cat Lai Port remains a bustling hub with a
commendable capability of handling a substantial number of ship arrivals.
Currently, the port manages an impressive volume, facilitating the arrival of 81
ships per week. This underscores the efficiency and strategic importance of Cat
Lai Port in the regional maritime landscape, despite its constraints in handling
larger vessels.
The operational excellence of Cat Lai Port, as evidenced by its weekly ship

arrivals, highlights its adaptability within the constraints of its riverine setting

13


Logistics Management

IV.

Dong Thi Tra My

Does Cat Lai Port operate any green logistics development strategies?
State their sustainable development orientations.
At present, Cat Lai Port is very proactive and focused on investing
resources as well as applying advanced technological solutions to develop a
green logistics strategy. This demonstrates the strong and resolute commitment
of Cat Lai Port towards sustainable development, contributing to a healthy
environment and a better quality of life for the community.
Some specific strategies and orientations include:

1. Utilizing Green Vehicles
Cat Lai Port has invested in forklifts to replace old diesel models. Since
deploying these zero-emissions vehicles, the port has significantly reduced
annual fuel costs by an estimated $1.5-2 million USD annually. To power its
electric fleet sustainably, Cat Lai Port has installed additional charging stations
across its premises, with plans to supplement with solar generation. The
investments in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure demonstrate the
port's commitment to ecological sustainability and operations efficiency through
modernization.


FIGURE IV.1. Electric forklifts in the warehouse of Cat Lai port.

Source: saigonnewport
Regarding the usage of biofuels, Cat Lai Port has set a strategic goal to
incrementally phase out conventional fossil fuel supplies including petrol, diesel,
and heavy fuel oil. In their place, the port aims to switch to renewable biofuel
sources that generate lower lifecycle carbon emissions. Specifically, the port
authority is researching options to utilize biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol, or
methanol derived from sustainable plant oils, agricultural residues, and organic
waste streams.
14


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

2. Optimizing Operations
In an ongoing commitment to operational excellence, the port has
strategically undertaken measures to enhance efficiency, reduce energy waste,
and optimize resource usage. A pivotal aspect of this initiative involves the
implementation of cutting-edge information technology systems, notably the
transformative TOPX & TOPO-VN solutions. This comprehensive approach
encompasses various digital facets, including e-payment, eDO (electronic
Document Optimization), E-Port, and e-customs, resulting in a remarkable
reduction in the average waiting time for trucks at the port gate from 13 minutes
to an impressive 6 minutes.
The adoption of TOPX & TOPO-VN has ushered in a new era of
streamlined processes and procedures, revolutionizing traditional practices.
Notably, this digital transformation has led to the elimination of a staggering

30,000 to 50,000 paper documents daily, marking a significant leap towards a
more sustainable and eco-friendly operation.
Moreover, the port has embraced cutting-edge technologies such as Internet
of Things (IoT) sensors, big data analytics, and automated routing algorithms.
By integrating these innovations, the port aspires to achieve substantial
improvements in turnover time, equipment utilization, and traffic flow.
Projections indicate that these technological advancements could potentially lead
to a remarkable 30% enhancement in overall operational efficiency.

FIGURE IV.2. TOPX and TOP-VPN software
Source: Saigonnewport
\

15


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

3. Conserving Energy Usage:
At the forefront of their commitment to sustainable practices, the port is
actively engaged in a comprehensive strategy to enhance energy efficiency,
reduce environmental impact, and foster long-term sustainability. One key facet
of this initiative involves the widespread deployment of energy-efficient lighting
solutions, with a particular emphasis on the replacement of conventional lighting
with state-of-the-art LED bulbs. This strategic transition is projected to yield a
remarkable 50% reduction in electricity consumption compared to traditional
lighting methods, underscoring their dedication to minimizing their carbon
footprint and maximizing energy conservation.

Simultaneously, the port is revolutionizing the climate control landscape
within its buildings by implementing cutting-edge optimization measures for
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Through the
integration of advanced automation and zonally controlled settings, they
anticipate achieving significant energy savings, contributing to an impressive
overall reduction of over 20%.
Additionally, the port is proactively engaging in power purchase
agreements to secure a sustainable supply of clean energy for its operations. By
doing so, we not only seek to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources but
also contribute to the larger global transition towards a more sustainable and
environmentally conscious energy ecosystem.

FIGURE IV.3 Use solar energy and LED lights to reduce pressure
Source: Vr360/saigonnewport

16


Logistics Management

V.

Dong Thi Tra My

State the importance of seaports to the development of Vietnam
economy
Seaports play a crucial role in Vietnam's maritime and national economy,
serving as vital gateways for import and export. With almost half of the country's
provinces and cities along its 3,260 km coastline, Vietnam's coastal seaports
connect strategically to international routes, facilitating trade with destinations

in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Middle East, Europe, Africa, Japan, Russia,
and the Americas.

1. Overview of the Port Industry in Vietnam 2015-2021

FIGURE V.1. Total amount of quantity of goods through seaports 2015-2021
Source: VIETNAM MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
In the period before the pandemic, Vietnam's GDP growth was consistently
maintained at a high level, exceeding 6%. During this time, the volume of goods
through seaports, as well as the total export turnover, also showed impressive
growth rates of 11%-12%.2
The pandemic period had a negative impact on Vietnam's GDP growth,
with the economy only growing by 2.91% in 2020. However, the volume of
goods through seaports still demonstrated positive growth at 3.68%. In terms of
quantity, the container throughput at seaports in 2020 reached 22.14 million
TEUs, a 13% increase compared to 2019.

17


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

In 2021, despite the challenging situation affecting seaports in the southern
region due to social distancing measures, the growth rate remained robust.
According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the total cargo throughput
at seaports for the first nine months of the year reached 535.7 million tons, a 3%
increase compared to the same period in 2020. The overall container volume
through seaports nationwide continued to maintain a two-digit growth rate, with

an estimated value of 18.6 million TEUs, representing a 15% increase compared
to the same period.

2. Contribution of Saigon New Port - the biggest port in Vietnam to
Vietnam’s economy

FIGURE V.2. Production volume and market share figures of Saigon New Port
Source: Saigonnewport
Saigon New Port contributes significantly to the development of Vietnam's
economy through notable indicators. With a substantial market share of 92% in
Ho Chi Minh City, where one of the most crucial seaports is located, Saigon New
Port is not only a hub for the region but also a major driving force behind the
economic prosperity of the city.3
Furthermore, in the Cai Mep region, Saigon New Port maintains its leading
position with a 52% market share, establishing an efficient and essential seaport
system for the import and export activities of the entire country. With a 55%
market share nationwide, this port plays a crucial role in connecting Vietnam to
the international market.

18


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

The cargo throughput at Saigon New Port is not only the highest in Vietnam
but also ranks 17th globally, reflecting the efficiency and scale of its seaport
operations. Additionally, with an impressive average annual growth rate, Saigon
New Port significantly contributes to the sustainable development of Vietnam's

economy, achieving substantial growth at 16.1%.
Conclusion: Saigon New Port is not just a major seaport in Vietnam; it is a
vital catalyst behind the prosperity of the national economy. With an impressive
market share in Ho Chi Minh City, Cái Mép, and nationwide, the port serves as
a critical link in the international supply chain and makes substantial
contributions to the country's import and export growth. The efficiency and scale
of its seaport operations, coupled with impressive annual growth, underscore the
pivotal role of Saigon New Port in promoting the sustainable development of
Vietnam's economy, accompanying the nation on its path of integration and
prosperity.

3. Potential for developing Vietnam's seaport system
Seaport development builds upon a 20-year plan, emphasizing priorities
like international gateways, large-scale ports for economic growth, and terminals
linked to tourism. Anticipating demand, the system aims for a capacity of 1,140
to 1,420 million tons by 2030, including 38 to 47 million TEUs of container
cargo, reflecting 1.7 to 2 times the volume in 2020.
In terms of priority development areas:
• Maritime public infrastructure includes upgrading the Cai Mep - Thi
Vai shipping route to serve ships up to 200,000 tons (18,000 TEUs) and
projects to facilitate large-tonnage ships on the Hau River - Phase 2 for
ships up to 20,000 tons.
• Port infrastructure includes investment in successive berths in the Lach
Huyen port area, starting berths in the Nam Do Son area (Hai Phong),
key berths in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), main
berths in type I seaports, international passenger terminals linked to
dynamic tourism development areas, large-scale berths associated with
power centers (coal, gas, petroleum, metallurgy), berths serving coastal
economic zones, and calling for investment in potential seaports in Van
Phong and Tran De.

Conclusion: Resources for seaport development are primarily mobilized
from non-budgetary sources, accounting for up to 95% of the total capital
demand of 313 trillion VND for seaport investment. Budget funds are
concentrated on public infrastructure in focal areas to create ripple effects and
attract investment.
19


Logistics Management

Dong Thi Tra My

REFERENCES:
1. Cảng Tân Cảng - Cát Lái (TCCL). Accessed December 23, 2023.
/>2. Ngành cảng biển: Tăng trưởng bất chấp đại dịch (Kỳ 1) | Fili. fili.vn.
Accessed December 23, 2023. />3. trường VBFL đoàn T mại và C nghiệp VNK tế T. Thực trạng và tiềm năng
khai thác cảng biển Việt Nam. Vietnam Business Forum – Liên đồn Thương
mại và Cơng nghiệp Việt Nam-Kinh tế - Thị trường. Published June 27, 2022.
Accessed December 23, 2023. />
20