Why did An Thoi Phu Quoc tourist port temporarily stop operating?

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

On June 19, the People's Committee of An Thoi Ward (Phu Quoc City) announced that Mr. Tran Van Tai - Director of Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority - had just signed a notice on temporarily suspending the operation of An Thoi seaport (abbreviated as An Thoi port).

Temporarily suspend operations to manage port infrastructure assets

According to the announcement of Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority, An Thoi port has temporarily stopped operating since June 12. The temporary suspension is to manage the port's infrastructure assets according to regulations. At the same time, ships are temporarily not allowed to enter and leave the port.

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

From then until the unit authorized to exploit is selected, or the competent authority decides on the plan to handle the above port assets, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will hand over the management of this port asset to the Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration also requested that local authorities and relevant units notify business households of the temporary suspension of operations at An Thoi port. The People's Committee of Phu Quoc City supports the maintenance of security and order, and the prevention of encroachment and business activities at the port.

Business people, boat owners and tourism service canoes face difficulties

Talking to Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. NMT - the owner of a tourist canoe in Phu Quoc - shared that Mr. T. and small businesses around the port were aware of the temporary suspension of operations at An Thoi port. At the same time, the port management unit also has a plan for the canoe owners to anchor at Cau Sau or Cau Phao in the locality.

However, this will increase the cost of the tour and affect the image of Phu Quoc tourism. In addition, the sea in An Thoi ward is also erratic, the wind and waves still affect the boats... anchored by the people.

"Tours booked in advance will face many difficulties. Each canoe trip taking tourists to visit the islands will incur an additional cost of about 700,000 VND/trip. If this amount is calculated for tourists, it is not acceptable," Mr. T. analyzed.

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

"An Thoi Port currently has no management unit. Knowing that people will face difficulties, however, to ensure inspection and safety supervision for people, the relevant unit has temporarily stopped operating this port. The unit will also notify people first, and then find a suitable solution," said Mr. Tran Van Tai - Director of Kien Giang Maritime Port Authority.

An Thoi Port has a total investment of 157.92 billion VND. The above port project was completed and accepted in August 2012, with two main items: 3,000 DWT port and buoy wharf, dredging, and buoy.

This port is identified as an international general port with a cargo throughput of 500,000-700,000 tons/year and 360,000 passengers/year.

In 2013, the joint venture Saigon Transport Services Joint Stock Company - Hiep Phuoc Maritime and Development Investment Joint Stock Company won the bid to exploit An Thoi port. By January 2021, the Vietnam Maritime Administration had terminated the contract with the above exploitation unit for violating regulations.

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

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