Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, His Excellency Johan Vande Lanotte, this week visited DP World-operated Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) as part of his official visit to Vietnam.
His Excellency took the time to congratulate Belgian company Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering (DEME) on its major dredging work in the Soai Rap River for the Soai Rap Programme Management unit (SRPM), which will benefit the surrounding region, and to compliment SPCT on running the only operational terminal in the Hiep Phouc area.
The newly dredged 54 kilometre long channel, with a draft of 9.5 metres, is scheduled to open mid-year, allowing SPCT to serve vessels with a nominal capacity of up to 5,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) or 50,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage) close to Ho Chi Minh City. When completed, the 16 month project will benefit all South Vietnam, boosting the logistics sector and creating new job opportunities.
Mr Vande Lanotte was welcomed by SPCT Chief Executive Officer William Khoury and other senior officials, who briefed him on the operational efficiencies that have made SPCT and the adjoining Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park a hub serving both the intra-Asia market and deep sea trades, reducing logistics costs for Vietnamese exporters and importers.
SPCT Chief Executive Officer William Khoury said:
“We are delighted that the dredging work is nearly complete and are very pleased to welcome His Excellency to our facility to view the work in progress. We congratulate DEME for carrying out the dredging work as planned.”
Rashid Abdulla, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific Region, DP World , said:
“Connecting people and goods is an efficient way of driving economic growth and the dredging of the Soai Rap River channel will enable SPCT to serve customers even more efficiently, supporting Vietnam’s economic development.”
Located along the western shore of the Soai Rap River 16km from Ho Chi Minh City center, SPCT is a state of the art facility which began operations in October 2009. Phase I of the development has two berths and storage capacity for up to 15,000 TEU at a time, including 650 refrigerated container slots.
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Press Release, January 23, 2014