The Deep-Pocketed Port Project’s Six-Year Slumber: A $600 Million Dollar Debacle

The My Thuy Port Project, with a total investment of up to VND 15,000 billion, was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 16/QD-TTg dated January 4, 2019. The project includes 10 docks and spans an area of 685 hectares in the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone. It is planned to be implemented in three phases.

According to the project owner’s report, as of May 27, important procedures such as detailed construction planning, land use planning, environmental impact assessment, base design, and technical design have been completed. Additionally, permits for the first phase of construction of a 320-meter-long wave-shielding dyke and for the construction of docks 1 and 2, transition floor, and bridge dyke have been obtained.

In terms of actual construction, the project has substantially completed a 320-meter section of the wave-shielding dyke. The investor is currently constructing the docks and bridge dyke for berths 1 and 2, with a completion rate of about 31.36%. Three major items will be constructed next, including the wave-shielding dyke from km0+320 to km0+780, which is expected to be finished by October 2025; the wave-shielding dyke from km0+780 to km1+735, which is anticipated to reach at least km1+200 by the end of 2025; along with dredging the ship channel, turning basin, and area in front of the berths.

In terms of actual construction, the project has substantially completed a 320-meter section of the wave-shielding dyke. The investor is currently constructing the docks and bridge dyke for berths 1 and 2, with a completion rate of approximately 31.36%. They are proceeding with the construction of three major items, which include the wave-shielding dyke from km0+320 to km0+780, expected to be finished by October 2025; the wave-shielding dyke from km0+780 to km1+735, anticipated to reach at least km1+200 by the end of 2025; along with dredging the ship channel, turning basin, and the area in front of the berths.

Additionally, the construction of the administration building and fence is scheduled to commence in July 2025 and be completed by December 2025. During the construction process, the total dredged volume of the project is estimated at 29 million cubic meters, including about 1 million cubic meters of white sand (a valuable mineral resource).

Currently, the project owner and consulting units are finalizing the dossier to submit to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province, after which they will report to the Provincial People’s Committee and seek opinions from relevant ministries and branches to complete the procedure for mineral exploitation permits.

Along with the main port project, the investor also proposes to implement a number of linked projects. Despite achieving positive results, the project still faces challenges, especially in site clearance and mineral exploitation licensing. Moreover, the urgent need for dredging 60,000 cubic meters to serve the operation of berths 1 and 2 underscores the criticality of procedures and resources.

During a recent inspection of the construction progress of the My Thuy Port Project, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee of Quang Tri, Hoang Nam, directed specific solutions to overcome challenges. Mr. Nam emphasized that the My Thuy Port Project is one of the key projects of the province, carrying the hope of attracting investment, effectively exploiting the potential of the marine economy, and acting as a driving force for local socio-economic development.

The Vice Chairman acknowledged the determination of the project owner and the construction unit, as well as the coordination of departments, branches, and local authorities in the implementation process. He requested that the departments and branches maintain close coordination with the investor to promptly address difficulties and ensure the construction progress as planned.

Regarding mineral exploitation, Mr. Hoang Nam asked the Department of Agriculture and Environment to urgently coordinate with the project owner to complete the dossier, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and increasing budget revenue for the locality.

For urgent dredging, the Office of the Provincial People’s Committee is assigned to review and report to the Party Committee of the Provincial People’s Committee, obtaining the consensus of the members of the Provincial People’s Committee to decide on the handling solution.