Why has the An Thoi tourist port in Phu Quoc temporarily suspended operations?

A view of An Thoi port in An Thoi ward (Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province) - Photo: CHI CONG

On June 19th, the People's Committee of An Thoi Ward (Phu Quoc City) announced that Mr. Tran Van Tai, Director of the Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority, had signed a notice regarding the temporary suspension of operations at An Thoi seaport (referred to as An Thoi port).

Operations are temporarily suspended for the purpose of managing port infrastructure assets.

According to an announcement from the Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority, An Thoi Port will temporarily suspend operations from June 12th. This suspension is intended to allow for the management of port infrastructure assets in accordance with regulations. Simultaneously, vessels are temporarily prohibited from entering and leaving the port.

Previously, on February 18th, the Vietnam Maritime Administration terminated the contract granting the right to operate the port to the joint venture between Namaste Investment and Development Joint Stock Company and Saigon Port Joint Stock Company.

From then until the selection of the entity authorized to operate the port, or the competent authority decides on the handling plan for the port assets, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will entrust the Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority with the management of these port assets.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration also requested local authorities and relevant units to inform business owners about the temporary suspension of operations at An Thoi port. The People's Committee of Phu Quoc City is assisting in maintaining security and order, and preventing encroachment and illegal trading activities at the port.

Business people and owners of tourist service canoes face difficulties

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. NMT - the owner of a tourist speedboat in Phu Quoc - shared that he and other small business owners around the An Thoi port were aware of the temporary suspension of operations. He also stated that the port management unit had a plan for speedboat owners to moor their boats at Cau Sau or Cau Phao in the local area.

However, this will increase the cost of tours and negatively impact the image of Phu Quoc tourism. Furthermore, the sea in An Thoi ward is unpredictable, with wind and waves still affecting the boats anchored there.

"Pre-booked tours will face many difficulties. Each speedboat trip to visit the islands will incur an additional cost of approximately 700,000 VND per trip. This amount cannot be passed on to tourists," Mr. T. explained.

Mr. T. added that his canoes and other local boats are still temporarily anchored at An Thoi port. The residents hope that the relevant authorities and local government will hold a meeting to find the best possible solution to minimize the impact on Phu Quoc tourism.

"The An Thoi port currently has no managing entity. We understand that this will cause difficulties for the people, however, to ensure safety and supervision for the people, the relevant unit has temporarily suspended operations at this port. The unit has initially informed the people, and will then find a suitable solution," said Mr. Tran Van Tai, Director of the Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority.

The An Thoi Port project had a total investment of VND 157.92 billion. The project was completed and officially accepted in August 2012, comprising two main components: a 3,000 DWT berth and a mooring buoy, dredging, and buoy installation.

This port is designated as an international general cargo port with a cargo throughput of 500,000-700,000 tons per year and a passenger throughput of 360,000 per year.

In 2013, the joint venture between Saigon Transport Services Joint Stock Company and Hiep Phuoc Maritime and Investment Development Joint Stock Company won the bid to operate An Thoi port. By January 2021, the Vietnam Maritime Administration terminated the contract with the operating unit due to violations of regulations.

In 2022, a joint venture between Namaste Investment and Development Joint Stock Company and Saigon Port Joint Stock Company won the bid to operate this port for 950 billion VND. On February 18, 2024, the Vietnam Maritime Administration also terminated the contract with the aforementioned operating entity.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-cang-du-lich-an-thoi-phu-quoc-tam-dung-khai-thac-hoat-dong-2024061914221922.htm