Saigon Newport: Pioneering a Digital Transformation Journey Towards Sustainable Development

Prior to 2015, the turnaround time for receiving an import container at Tan Cang – Cat Lai Terminal typically spanned 2 to 3 hours.
By taking the lead in deploying the TOPOVN terminal operating system and integrating online procedures via the ePort platform, Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP) successfully slashed this processing time to a 50 minutes. This milestone powerfully demonstrates the practical impact of applied technology in resolving real-world supply chain bottlenecks.

Over the past twenty years, SNP’s digital transformation roadmap has been intricately linked to three strategic pillars: business transformation, technology infrastructure modernization, and human resource development.
At the heart of this evolution remains the human element – the fundamental driver of our success.

In alignment with the global maritime industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and establishing green shipping corridors, the synergy of these three pillars empowers SNP to optimize resources, elevate service quality, and actualize its vision for sustainable growth.

From the Initial Steps of Laying the Technological Foundation

In the mid-2000s, most port operations still relied on manual paperwork and face-to-face communication. Container control, procedural processing, and delivery coordination required the involvement of multiple departments, causing significant pressure on accuracy and progress as cargo throughput increased.

In 2008, SNP officially went live with the TOPX real-time container operating system at Tan Cang – Cat Lai Terminal, combining it with the CMS port management software into a suite of solutions serving terminal operations, connecting on-site activities with container management workflows. This marked the beginning of a series of operational management and administration applications that continued to expand, gradually shifting towards data-driven management and operations to improve coordination efficiency.

By 2015, recognizing the limitations of the CMS software, SNP proactively collaborated with Tan Cang Information Technology Solutions JSC. (TCIS) to develop and transition to the TOPOVN software.
This turning point helped increase vessel dispatching productivity by 12%, while reducing yard delivery time by more than half.
Along with operational results, the development of TOPOVN helped SNP gradually master technology, proactively upgrade features according to production requirements, and expand its application across port and logistics facilities within the network.

The 2015 milestone: Developing and upgrading the digital platform for management and operations at Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal.

The effectiveness of digital transformation became concrete: cargo owners received goods more quickly, and the terminal increased its handling capacity on a single platform. However, digitizing individual operations only solved part of the demand; the reality posed the problem of seamless information connection as a mandatory requirement to optimize the entire supply chain.

Data Integration – Optimizing Customer Experience

In 2016, Tan Cang – Cat Lai Terminal deployed online delivery registration and payment via the ePort system, helping import-export enterprises proactively plan and track documents before cargo pickup, thereby reducing procedural congestion at the terminal.

By 2018, ePort was applied 100% for container delivery operations at Tan Cang – Cat Lai Terminal and expanded throughout the entire system.
Simultaneously, SNP also successfully implemented the electronic Delivery Order (eDO) with Maersk line, helping to reduce customers' operational time at the port by half, cutting staff numbers at the documentation area by 2/3, and minimizing document printing costs; creating a premise for expanding the continuous data exchange flow among customers, terminals, and shipping lines.

 Guiding drivers and customers on utilizing the new features of the SNP ePort mobile application.

The digital ecosystem continued to expand into warehousing and transportation activities, allowing drivers to execute tasks directly via mobile phones, minimizing paper documents and physical interactions.
These changes have reshaped the service model: customers proactively operate online; terminals, shipping lines, and hauliers coordinate through a common data platform. Coordination on a shared platform helps improve service quality and operational processing efficiency.

Following the successes of TOPOVN and ePort, TCIS continued to develop a suite of terminal management and operations solutions, TTOS (TCIS Terminal Operating System), implemented at 15 ports, ICDs, and depots; the WMSVN (Warehouse Management System); and the Automated Gate system at Gate C of Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal.
These have made significant contributions to improving service quality and business efficiency, gradually realizing the digital transformation strategy and building smart ports and warehouses at SNP's facilities.

The TCIS team researching and developing cutting-edge technological solutions for port and logistics operations within the SNP ecosystem.

Aligning Digital Transformation with Sustainable Development Criteria

In the context of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2023 Strategy aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and promoting green transport corridors, the digital transformation process at SNP serves as a crucial foundation for implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

Regarding the environmental aspect, the application of digital transformation solutions helps reduce printing, saving about 30,000 - 50,000 pieces of paper daily, and reducing 3,000 – 5,000 vehicles/day entering and exiting Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal for administrative procedures compared to before. The implementation of the automated customs supervision system and the online check-in feature on ePort also assists customers in coordinating fleets efficiently, reducing truck waiting times at the terminal gates from 13 minutes to approximately 6 minutes, and cutting electronic customs clearance time to only about 2 minutes/container.

Regarding the social and human aspect, the digital transformation process creates conditions for the workforce to enhance their capabilities through digital skills training and by adopting initiatives from actual production. Annually, SNP regularly deploys courses and training to improve technology and AI application skills for employees, tailored to each professional expertise. Simultaneously, it enhances service quality and customer experience through convenient and fast digital utilities and transactions.

Regarding governance, the centralized data system supports management, administration, and decision-making, ensuring information security and service continuity.

 The Operation Control Center at Tan Cang - Cat Lai Terminal leveraging advanced digital solutions for terminal management and operational execution.

The Goal of "Comprehensive Digital Transformation" by 2030

In May 2025, SNP partnered with FPT to launch a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap up to 2030, aiming for a "dual goal": improving operational productivity and promoting sustainable development. The roadmap focuses on 4 key orientations: Promoting data-driven governance; developing the eSNP ecosystem; applying AI and automation; ensuring information security and fostering a digital culture.

These orientations serve specific objectives: more convenient transactions for customers, more suitable support tools for workers, and more efficient resource utilization for terminal operations. People remain the prerequisite factor, in which skills training and encouraging employees to participate in continuous improvement help technology application become highly practical and valuable.

Saigon Newport Corporation driving towards the goal of comprehensive digital transformation by 2030, anchored by the core eSNP ecosystem.

In this comprehensive digital transformation journey, TCIS continues to be one of the core units in building, developing, and operating digital products and solutions, contributing to bringing digital transformation goals into actual operations.
Heading towards the milestone of TCIS 16th anniversary of establishment (01/11/2010 – 01/11/2026), TCIS has affirmed its key technological role and steadfast companionship with SNP throughout the digital transformation journey. The combination of deep expertise in seaport operations and digital solution development capabilities helps SNP continuously optimize workflows, enhance customer experience, and effectively utilize resources, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development goals.
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(*Credit: SNP)