Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Vietnam Maritime Administration has requested thatassociations, seaport companies and shipping companies be exempted or allowedto pay reduced service fees for containers stored at seaports for a long time.

The proposal was laid outin document No 646/CHHVN-VTDVHH, issued on March 7 to create favourableconditions for the owners of the containers to release the goods stored atseaports.

The administration, underthe Ministry of Transport, also proposed container owners and associations ofindustries such as the paper association, plastic association and steelassociation co-ordinate with shipping agents and seaport companies to reviewwhich containers will get fee exemptions or reductions.

Relevant agencies wouldthen fix exemptions and reduced rates based on the review and existingregulations.

The administration proposedthe associations announce the policy to their members and then closelyco-ordinate with state agencies to craft a plan that minimizes damage to allinvolved parties. The associations were asked to send feedback from theirmembers to the administration before March 15.

According to the document,as of January 25, 2019, the national seaport system has stored more than 24,100scrap containers, including 7,000 containers at Hai Phong seaport.

If the container is kept atport for less than 90 days, enterprises could still be carrying out proceduresto clear customs in accordance with regulations. However, about 3,000containers have been in a port for more than 90 days. Authorities are activelylooking for the owners of those containers to request they move them.-VNS/VNA