On March 18, a representative of Gemalink port (Cai Mep - Thi Vai area) said that they are applying prices for unloading services in the price range of 57-66 USD/container 20 feet; 85-97 USD/container 40 feet; and 94-108 USD/container 45 feet with goods.
The price framework is stipulated in Circular 12 and Decision 810 of 2024 of the Ministry of Transport. However, although ports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area are listing according to the maximum price framework according to regulations, due to competition, they are often deployed at floor prices.
Although this price has increased by about 10% compared to before, it is still lower than the average price at international seaports today. Many international ports are applying prices corresponding to about 110 USD/20-foot container and 160 USD/40-foot container; many places even have higher prices.
Recently, in a document sent to the (old) Ministry of Transport and the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Gemadept Meppe Port Joint Stock Company - Terminal Link (the investor of Gemalink port) proposed to adjust the price of container unloading services, ensuring that Vietnam's service price is brought close to the regional average price because the price is still quite low.
adjusting container unloading prices contributes to protecting the legitimate interests of the port without affecting national logistics costs and import-export enterprises, the enterprise stated in the document.
Not only this enterprise, seaports in the Cai Mep - Thi Vai area have also submitted a petition to competent authorities to propose continuing to adjust container unloading service prices, reducing the large gap between Vietnam and the international market.
According to seaport businesses, in the context of the seaport industry changing strongly, requiring the application of new technologies and environmental protection, low prices will create difficulties in maintaining effective operations and competitive advantages.
Currently, international ports are investing heavily in modern technology, advanced infrastructure and environmental protection solutions, helping to improve competitiveness, attracting large shipping lines, thereby creating a stable flow of goods.
Although the service quality at Cai Mep - Thi Vai is quite good, if prices are still low, there will be no competitive advantage, because the revenue is not enough to reinvest in modern infrastructure, green technology... Therefore, adjusting container unloading prices is not simply an increase in service costs, but is also necessary to improve the competitiveness of seaports in the area.
