TOPLINE After 3 weeks of social distancing, the inventory at Cat Lai port reached the maximum level, but the human resource shortage was at 50%.
KEY POINTS
- According to Directive 16, the process of goods release has been delayed, resulting in inventory build up at Tan Cang Cat Lai port.
- Employee shortages are hindering port operations.
- Saigon Newport Corporation has proposed several solutions to this problem such as allowing online documents to be presented instead of offline.
ARTICLE
Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) stated in a report on the problems in managing marine activities in Ho Chi Minh City owing to Covid-19 that the cargo now exists to enhance the intensity and put pressure on production disruption.
Full capacity at yard for inventory storage
After 3 weeks of social distancing, the process of goods releasing delays seriously, leading to an increase in the volume of cargo storing at Tan Cang Cat Lai port (TCCL).
Currently, the volume of imported goods is fast increasing for reserving since many industries have to halt working for 14-21 days due to the blockade.
Therefore, with the situation operating at nearly full capacity so far, the TCCL port may have to temporarily stop receiving ships to prioritize goods release. That perhaps leads to the risk of interruption in operating, which have happened at ports of the US, Europe, and China in the past epidemics.
Shortage of 50% of satellite workers
The number of employees needed to maintain daily operational activities at the TCCL port is around 500 persons. This figure excludes port forces that can work remotely and customs officers, shipping lines, and related State management organizations.
Currently, it is short of 50% (250 people) to operate the port. Despite the flexibility to reduce the maximum number of troops and manage workers in one place, the shortage of personnel, especially satellite workers, is getting worse and worse.
The port has currently organized numerous “3 on-site” zones in the port to primarily serve the workforce of ship handling workers. But it seems to be inefficient.
Saigon Newport Corporation proposed some solutions
To overcome this situation, Saigon Newport Corporation suggested a mechanism to allow the transfer of imported goods and backlogged containers from TCCL port to store, deliver to customers, and pay management at Saigon Newport Corporation facilities for more than 90 days.
At the same time, it is proposed that the General Department of Customs broaden the list of documents that can be uploaded online to simplify procedures.
Simultaneously, focusing on pushing the process of handling backlogged containers was also proposed.
Furthermore, the company intends to enhance the online QR software program to apply in some work such as driver licencing.
For the problem of human shortage, the enterprise proposes to allow the necessary number of workers in the TCCL port production line, if not residing in residential areas that are being blocked, to circulate to the port to work with a test plan once a week for employees.
In addition, issuing or guiding the form of a travel document for convenient circulation, even after 6 pm to suit the specific working conditions in shifts at the port.
Van Anh
