Currently, digital transformation is a global trend and is a field that the Vietnamese Government is particularly interested in promoting and implementing. A young population, a dynamic economy in the region, highly appreciated by many international organizations, policies to attract investment, encourage innovation… are Vietnam’s advantages in this race.

However, in addition to the advantages of the macro environment, in the digitalization process, Vietnamese enterprises also face many difficulties in terms of internal competitiveness of enterprises, network infrastructure (internet, logistics…), the ability to apply and master technology. In addition, enterprises must also meet increasingly strict standards for sustainable development.

One of the key solutions is innovation and technology application. Each industry has its own specific characteristics. For the port and logistics industry, with large investments and a wide operating network, the story of innovation needs vision, strategy, a suitable roadmap, the necessary resources, and the cooperation of stakeholders in the supply chain.

The culture of innovation at Gemadept

Gemadept affirms that digital transformation is a revolution of mindset, putting people at the center, promoting innovation and adaptation. The active participation of the team is a key factor for successful digital transformation. Gemadept focuses on investing in people, through training, skill enhancement, and creating an effective working environment. The Company has established a Digital Transformation Committee, built clear orientations, and equipped employees with knowledge.

The Company has successfully implemented many advanced technology solutions, applied to operations, aimed at optimizing efficiency and enhancing customer experience. A prime example is the SmartPort software, launched in 2021. This platform has digitized the entire port operation process, from ship reception to cargo delivery, helping to reduce waiting times, increase handling productivity, minimize errors, and create an effective online communication channel with customers.

In 2023, Gemadept continued to pioneer the application of the SmartGate. This application helps container trucks complete procedures quickly in just a few seconds, connecting parties in the supply chain, allowing information exchange, travel monitoring, and performance tracking.

SmartPort and SmartGate, integrated with IoT, AI, and Big Data technologies, are evidence of the seamless combination between humans and technology at Gemadept. This system not only helps Gemadept monitor and coordinate operations efficiently and transparently but also provides customers with superior service experiences.

These efforts contribute to reducing logistics costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses. Especially in the context of deep international economic integration, the application of technology to optimize logistics costs is an important factor to promote economic growth.

With a people-centric strategy combined with the application of advanced technology, Gemadept is striving to create breakthroughs, affirming its leading position in the seaport and logistics sector.

The role of infrastructure construction

Besides software, connectivity infrastructure – ‘hardware’ – is also a prerequisite for a modern economy to develop. A smooth and rapid logistics system forms a solid foundation for the development of the digital economy and finance. In parallel, the role of infrastructure creation by leading enterprises like Gemadept is extremely important.

In early 2024, Gemadept was assigned by the Government to implement a national maritime project. With the trend of increasing ship sizes, addressing the ‘bottleneck’ of narrow and shallow maritime channels at the Ha Nam Channel is becoming increasingly urgent. The previous draft depth was -7m, and with sedimentation at certain times, vessels with drafts of -8.5m or more had to anchor and wait for tides and reduce cargo, directly affecting the operating efficiency of shipping lines and import-export enterprises.

To overcome this difficulty, Gemadept proactively conducted thorough research on the channel’s current situation, then proposed it to the authorities, which was approved and implemented as the Maritime Channel Upgrade Project from the Hai Phong International Container Port turning basin to Nam Dinh Vu Port.

The project has completed dredging, lowering the channel depth from -7m to -8.5m. The Ha Nam Channel can now accommodate large vessels up to 48,000 DWT fully loaded and without waiting for tides, helping to improve transport capacity, reduce logistics costs, and increase the operating efficiency of the Hai Phong port area in general and Nam Dinh Vu Port (belonging to Gemadept) in particular. This nationally significant project has resolved a centuries-old concern about waterways in Hai Phong.

Similarly, entrusted by the Ministry of Transport, Gemadept has been researching and proposing a model inland waterway transport route with a shortened route length of about 200 km (the two existing routes are 235 km and 367 km respectively). The model route passes through the Quan Chanh Bo canal, connecting the Mekong Delta and the Cai Mep Thi Vai deep-water port cluster, especially Gemalink deep-water port (belonging to Gemadept), which not only optimizes cargo transportation in general but also allows Vietnamese agricultural products to be exported directly to the US and European markets without transshipment.

These strategic projects demonstrate Gemadept’s tremendous efforts and the effective cooperation between businesses and the State in infrastructure development. Building and operating these projects effectively not only reduces the burden on the State budget but also contributes to attracting investment, facilitating production and business, and promoting economic growth in the locality and the whole country.

Moreover, these projects also inspire a spirit of daring to think and do, inspiring the business community to join hands in contributing to the country’s economic development.

Commitment to sustainable development

Expanding scale and enhancing capacity for major port clusters at both ends of the country. In the North, Phase 3 of Nam Dinh Vu Port is under construction, increasing the total number of berths to 7 with a capacity of up to 2 million TEUs and 1.5 km of wharf. Nam Dinh Vu Port will become the largest river port in the North, bringing outstanding value to customers. In the South, Gemalink will continue to invest in development, aiming to commence Phase 2A in 2025, contributing to meeting the increasing demands of customers and partners and affirming the position of Vietnamese seaports on the international stage.

In addition to ‘digitalization’, Gemadept has been implementing ‘greening’ throughout its port ecosystem, with each port having a roadmap towards an environmentally friendly operating model. Last September marked significant successes on this journey as Nam Dinh Vu Port and Binh Duong Port achieved international ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and Green Port certifications. In particular, Gemadept Dung Quat Port was honored to receive the GPAS 2024 award from the Asian Port Services Network (APSN), recognizing Gemadept’s efforts and affirming its position on the global port map.

In the nation’s era of rising strength, Gemadept, alongside port and logistics enterprises, has been actively contributing to the country’s development, gradually advancing Vietnam on the journey towards digitalizing and greening the economy.