Saigon Newport Corporation informs about the new regulations for handling IMDG containers at Tan Cang Cat Lai Terminal

Specific area for Dangerous cargo in ports around the world

As global trade grows, people are more concerned about the management of dangerous cargo in ports and terminals. In Vietnam, the management and transportation of dangerous cargo must comply not only with the state’s law, but also with international standards and trends. The crucial point in handling dangerous cargo is safety and protection of human beings, environment, infrastructure and equipment. At modern ports in the world, dangerous cargo is placed at specialized area, away from general cargo area, and handled with special equipment to ensure fire and explosion safety and minimize accidents such as the accident at Tianjin Port (China) in 2015 or the accident at Beirut Port (Lebanon) in 2020.

Regulations for handling IMDG containers at TCCL from July 1st 2024

TCCL is the biggest and most modern terminal in Vietnam, handling over a third of national seaborne import-export containers and nearly 90% containers in Ho Chi Minh City. TCCL is 160 hectares, with annual throughput of over 5 mil. TEUs, the IMDG container area is about 5.2 hectares. Following the policy to remove the handling of IMDG containers at TCCL to ensure fire and explosion safety for the terminal and surrounding area, SNP will implement new regulations for handling IMDG containers at TCCL, effective from July 1st 2024. For import IMDG containers, TCCL only acts as Port of Discharge. After lifted from vessel to CY, the import IMDG containers must be transported to Port of Delivery. For export IMDG containers, TCCL only receives the containers within 24 hours prior to the vessel's ETA.

To clarify the operation, documentation, procedures, cost… of the new regulations, SNP held a conference “Introduction of handling IMDG containers at TCCL according to Notice No.1774/TB-TCg” on June 25th 2024. Representatives of SNP’s departments attended the conference and directly answered questions of shipping lines, customers regarding the new procedures of IMDG containers at TCCL.

Mr. Truong Tan Loc, SNP’s Marketing Director, chaired the seminar and emphasized, "The 'Safety First' policy is a crucial principle in the maritime and logistics industry. Investing in IMDG storage yards is vital for ensuring safety in seaport operations. This aligns with the policies of the government, state agencies, and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on planning and developing seaport clusters nationwide, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, and establishing key economic zones that are green and safe. SNP has implemented a long-term plan to modernize Tan Cang Cat Lai Terminal, and relocating the IMDG cargo area from TCCL Terminal is a key component of this plan to create a green and safe port."

Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc - Cat Lai Terminal D and Tan Cang Nhon Trach ICD – new destinations for receiving IMDG of SNP

Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc Port (TCHP) - Cat Lai Terminal D serves as a pivotal extension of Tan Cang Cat Lai Port (TCCL) and the Cai Mep port cluster (Ba Ria - Vung Tau). Covering an area of 17 hectares, TCHP - Cat Lai Terminal D operates 2 container berths and 4 barge berths. Its main berth spans 420 meters along the Soai Rap River, accommodating vessels weighing up to 50,000 DWT.

The IMDG storage yard at TCHP - Cat Lai Terminal D can accommodate between 700-1000 TEU simultaneously and has the capacity to expand as needed. It is equipped with 4 forklifts and 1 empty container handler. Additionally, TCHP - Cat Lai Terminal D features a modern fire protection system, including automatic smoke and fire alarms, portable fire extinguishers, and automatic sprinkler systems. A comprehensive 24/7 security camera surveillance system ensures the safety and security of goods.

SNP is committed to offering free storage, unlimited unloading time for early departures, and free transportation between TCCL and TCHP terminals for IMDG cargo containers imported and exported through TCCL. Additionally, SNP ensures efficient transit times between Terminals A/B/C/D…

Tan Cang Nhon Trach ICD (TCNT ICD) serves as a crucial hub, linking import and export goods from not only the Nhon Trach area but also the entire Dong Nai region to major ports such as Cat Lai, Phu Huu, and Cai Mep.

Tan Cang Nhon Trach ICD (TCNT ICD) has invested significantly in its infrastructure, spanning a total area of 27.5 hectares. The yard has a capacity of 10,500 TEU and a design capacity of 320,000 TEU per year. The berth length is 320 meters with four barge berths, capable of accommodating ships ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 DWT. The warehouse area of ​​6.2 hectares is expected to meet the demand for goods in the region. The IMDG yard at TCNT ICD covers 3 hectares and is equipped with a comprehensive fire protection system and a synchronized chemical incident response plan featuring modern equipment, including a 3,000-liter foam station, 21 foam spray pillars, and a fire barrier system extending throughout the yard. The water for fire protection is pumped directly from the Cai River through a dedicated pumping station, with a closed-circuit pipe network ensuring continuous and adequate water supply. Additionally, a security surveillance camera system operates 24/7 for enhanced safety.

With outstanding capabilities, methodical planning and fully equipped equipment to ensure cargo safety and fire prevention for IMDG cargo yard, Cat Lai Terminal D - Tan Cang Hiep Phuoc and ICD Tan Cang Nhon Trach will certainly become a reliable and effective destination for businesses in transporting and receiving dangerous goods in the near future.

By Khanh Linh