Securing equipment and lowering containers at Hai Phong port yards ahead of Storm Wipha
The Hai Phong Maritime Administration has called on port operators, shipbuilding and repair businesses, ship owners… in Hai Phong seaport area to urgently implement safety measures in preparation for Storm Wipha.
On July 20, Director of the Hai Phong Maritime Administration Bui Nguyen Khoi stated that, in order to proactively respond to Storm No. 3 (Wipha), the administration had requested port operators to urgently secure cranes and cargo handling equipment, and lower stacked containers at port yards, especially empty containers and those located near the piers.
Enterprises are required to prioritize cargo handling to free up berths as quickly as possible. Container ships must leave the port no later than 10 am on July 21, and other vessels by 8 am.
In cases where ships must remain docked, the captain must coordinate with port authorities to develop a safety plan, commit to ensuring the safety of ships and berths, and submit it to the Hai Phong Maritime Administration by 6 am on July 21.
Enterprises must also increase staffing, equipment, and shift supervision to ensure timely response and protect their staff, equipment, vehicles, and warehouses.
Shipbuilding and repair facilities must fill floating docks with water and properly secure them by noon on July 21.
Shipowners and agents are instructed to closely monitor the storm’s developments and promptly notify ships docked at berths, anchored in the harbor, or en route to Hai Phong of the storm’s location and direction to enable proactive storm avoidance.
Vessels currently docked or anchored must work with port businesses to expedite departure. Unrestricted seagoing vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo ships, must leave the port by 8 am on July 21. Unrestricted container ships must leave no later than 10 am of the day.
All vessels anchored at designated anchorage areas must ensure 100% crew presence on board, secure equipment, maintain strict watch shifts, keep engines ready for immediate operation, and maintain constant communication with shipowners and Coastal Radio Stations for emergency response.
All construction and service vessels must relocate to safe anchorage areas upstream of Kien bridge, the Ruot Lon river, the Chanh river, or other waterways by noon on July 21. Cranes must be lowered, and equipment securely tied down.
In the event of any issues during storm preparedness and response, units and ship captains must immediately contact the Hai Phong Maritime Administration via VHF Channel 16 or by phone at 0225.3842682 or 0225.3822115 for prompt assistance.
PHAM CUONG