Cửa Hội Fish Port, which has received over 100 billion VND in upgrades, is not operating as effectively as anticipated. Despite having sufficient space and the capacity to accommodate 30-meter fishing vessels, the number of large vessels mooring at the port is disappointingly low. The main reason is the serious silting of the channel, hindering the entry and exit of large fishing boats.
Lack of Large Vessels Impacts Economic Activity
The inability of large fishing vessels to dock at Cửa Hội Fish Port has created significant difficulties for local fishermen and businesses.
- Reduced Fisherman Income: Previously, dozens of local fishing vessels regularly used the port to sell their catch. However, the silted channel has made docking difficult, directly impacting fishermen’s incomes.
- Shortage of Fresh Seafood: Mr. Phan Trung Kiên, owner of a cold storage facility near the port, reports that no large or medium-sized vessels have visited the port for over two years. This has significantly reduced the supply of fresh seafood for restaurants and hotels in the area, forcing them to source from other ports.
- Impact on Logistics Services: Local providers of fishing logistics services (ice, fuel) at Cửa Hội Fish Port face challenges due to transporting goods to other ports to service vessels. Increased transportation costs impact the profitability of these businesses.
Channel Silting: The Primary Cause of Congestion
According to Mr. Phan Tiến Chương, Director of the Nghệ An Fish Port Management Board, the primary reason large fishing vessels cannot access Cửa Hội Fish Port is the severe silting of the channel. This problem has persisted for years, causing significant operational difficulties.
- Channel Obstruction by Silt: Large fishing vessels are unable to enter the port due to the silted channel, making access challenging.
- Vessel Impoundment: Previously, some vessels selling their catches at the port were stranded due to insufficient time for the tide, leading to inconvenience.
Challenges and Solutions for Cửa Hội Fish Port
The absence of large vessels at Cửa Hội Fish Port is wasting investment, negatively impacting the local economy and fishing logistics services.
- Channel Dredging Required: The Nghệ An Fish Port Management Board has recommended that authorities provide funding for dredging the channel to ensure safe and convenient vessel access.
- Long-Term Solutions Needed: A long-term solution to address the channel silting is crucial for maintaining the stable operation of Cửa Hội Fish Port.
Conclusion
Despite upgrades, Cửa Hội Fish Port faces the significant challenge of attracting large fishing vessels. Dredging the channel and developing a sustainable solution are necessary to restore the port’s efficiency and effectively serve fishermen and the local economy.
Reference
- Article “Invested over 100 billion VND, fish port remains deserted” on Dân trí, March 7, 2025. (https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/duoc-dau-tu-hon-100-ty-dong-cang-ca-van-vang-tanh-20250307122505539.htm)
