In the context of climate change and increasing environmental pollution, the development of green ports is becoming an inevitable trend of the global maritime industry. In Vietnam, seaport enterprises are also making efforts to transform to a sustainable business model, aiming to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

On the morning of December 4th, Giao Thong Newspaper, in coordination with the Vietnam Maritime Administration, organized the seminar ‘Green Port – towards sustainable development, reaching out to the ocean’ to discuss solutions for promoting the development of green ports in Vietnam.

Attending the seminar were leaders from the Vietnam Maritime Administration; the Editor-in-Chief of Giao Thong Newspaper; the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Sub-Department; the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Port Authority; the Vung Tau Maritime Port Authority; leading experts in Vietnam on the Net Zero program, and leaders of port enterprises in Vietnam.

Gemadept Pioneers the Development of a Green Port Ecosystem

At the forum, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, Head of Public Relations and Investor Relations, in charge of coordinating the Gemadept Corporation ESG Board, presented a speech on “Developing a Green Port Ecosystem throughout the Gemadept System.”

“We determined to invest in modern green technology from the outset, with 100% electric-powered vehicles and equipment, avoiding diesel versions. The dual digital transformation contributes to greening, with green practices verifying the digital,” Ms. Thao shared.Bà Thảo cho rằng hệ thống cảng biển của Việt Nam tuy còn non trẻ nhưng có vị thế rất cao trên thế giới, điều này rất đáng tự hào. Gemadept, với cảng nước sâu Gemalink, đã tiên phong xây dựng hệ sinh thái cảng xanh và thông minh, chung tay cùng Chính phủ thực hiện cam kết Net Zero vào năm 2050.

Ms. Thao believes that Vietnam’s seaport system, although still young, holds a very high position in the world, which is something to be very proud of. Gemadept, with its Gemalink Deep-sea Port, has pioneered the development of a green and smart port ecosystem, joining hands with the Government to fulfill the Net Zero commitment by 2050.

Gemadept’s efforts in the greening journey

Gemadept has taken clear steps towards sustainable development. Ms. Thao emphasized: “Building a green and smart logistics port ecosystem is the goal and development direction of Gemadept”.

Specifically, Gemadept has implemented the following activities:

• 2023: Establishing an ESG Board to communicate, promote green initiatives and implement greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement.
• 2024: Strengthening the effectiveness of the environmental management system and gradually converting to green technology, reducing emissions, increasing green investment and building a foundation for green ports, eco-ports and green logistics.
• 2025: Meeting international standards for green ports and synchronously deploying ESG throughout the system.

Gemadept is committed to being aware, ready and taking specific actions towards green ports, renewable energy management and operation. The unit also applies information technology to solutions such as SmartPort and SmartGate.

Government support is an important driving force

Gemadept representatives proposed the following policy support from the Government:

1. Minimize barriers, simplify administrative procedures, and reduce fees and charges
2. Tax incentives and financial support through preferential loan packages for businesses to invest in green transformation
3. Complete the legal framework to encourage green investment and create a stable business environment
4. Continue to consider adjusting handling fees for deep-sea ports to provide funding for greening and digitizing ports in the global supply chainReason: Currently, our handling fees are only 50% of those in the region and the world. Deep-sea ports have capital contributions from foreign shipping lines and have received consensus on price adjustments.
5. Consider increasing the floor price for container handling at the ports (currently only 40% of the regional average) to support port enterprises in investing in national seaport infrastructure development for economic growth.

Over the past period, Gemadept has implemented the inventory and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions according to the international standard ISO 14064-1 annually at the Gemadept port system, independently audited by a third party (British Standards Institution – BSI). The Company has also been assessed and certified to meet the green port criteria of the Vietnam Maritime Administration (TCCS 02:2022/CHHVN) and meet ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards. In addition, Gemadept has published a sustainable development report, investing, managing, and operating green and smart, efficiently using green management resources to achieve high performance, save fuel, and protect the environment.

(Source: Báo Giao Thông)