For ship principals located in maritime hubs like Singapore, Greece, Norway, or India, accurately forecasting port call expenses in distant regions such as Vietnam is essential yet challenging. Understanding and accurately estimating statutory charges in Vietnamese ports can significantly streamline budgeting and operational planning.
Key Statutory Charges in Vietnamese Ports and Their Calculations
Adjusted Gross Tonnage (Adjusted GT): Adjusted GT is the modified tonnage used for calculating port charges for specific vessel types:
- Tankers: Adjusted GT = 0.85 × Actual GT
- Passenger Ships: Adjusted GT = 0.5 × Actual GT
Special Rates at Cai Mep: Vessels berthing at Cai Mep enjoy preferential rates due to the port's strategic importance and efforts to attract larger vessels:
- Vessels ≥ 50,000 GT at Cai Mep: 40% discount on standard tonnage and safety assurance rates.
1. Tonnage Dues. Tonnage dues in Vietnam are calculated based on Adjusted GT:
- Standard Rate: USD 0.034 per GT (entry and exit combined: USD 0.068 per GT).
- Discounts:
- ≥ 50,000 GT (Cai Mep): 60% of standard rate
- ≥ 50,000 GT (Other ports): 40% of standard rate
- ≥ 1,500 GT with ≥ 3 monthly movements: 50%
- ≥ 300 GT with ≥ 4 monthly movements: 60%
- ≥ 5 monthly movements: 70%
2. Navigation Aid Dues. Supports navigational aids and vessel safety services, also based on Adjusted GT:
- Standard Rate: USD 0.100 per GT per entry/exit (Zones I & III), USD 0.058 (Zone II)
- Discounts similar to Tonnage Dues: Frequent calls and larger vessels, including special discounts at Cai Mep.
3. Clearance Fee. Fixed fee for vessel entry and exit formalities:
- <100 GT: USD 5 per movement
- 100-499 GT: USD 10 per movement
- 500-999 GT: USD 25 per movement
- ≥ 1,000 GT: USD 50 per movement
- Total per port call: double single movement rate.
4. Quarantine Fee. Covers health inspections:
- Vessels <10,000 GT: USD 95 per movement
- Vessels ≥10,000 GT: USD 110 per movement
- Total per port call: double the single movement rate.
5. Pilotage Charges. Calculated by pilotage distance and Adjusted GT:
- First 10 nautical miles: USD 0.0034 × GT/NM
- Next 10 NM (11-20): USD 0.0022 × GT/NM
- Beyond 20 NM: USD 0.0015 × GT/NM
- Minimum fee per way: USD 300
- Total per port call: round-trip (entry and exit).
6. Anchorage Fees Applicable if vessel drops anchors:
- Rate: USD 0.0005 × GT per hour anchored.
How to Estimate These Costs Accurately
- Local Tariffs: Reference published tariffs (e.g., Circular 261/2016/TT-BTC and Decision 543/QD-VTS).
- Local Expertise: Use a knowledgeable agent like Lightspeed Marine, which has detailed calculators and local insight.
- Digital Tools: Utilize PDA estimators and port calculators provided by trusted agencies.
Lightspeed Marine’s Advantage
Lightspeed Marine provides transparent, accurate PDA estimates by leveraging detailed local knowledge and relationships with port authorities. Our Vietnam Port Charge Calculator helps clearly estimate port-related charges, minimizing unexpected expenses and enhancing financial planning.
Why Accurate PDA Estimations Matter
- Reduces financial risk from unexpected expenses
- Improves budgeting accuracy
- Enhances operational efficiency and competitive positioning
Use our Port Charge Calculator: https://www.lightspeedmarine.co/port-charge-calculator
Beyond the Estimate: Why You Still Need a Full PDA
While our calculator provides valuable preliminary estimates of statutory charges, it's crucial to understand its limitations. A comprehensive Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) prepared by your nominated agent is essential for accurate final budgeting. Why?
- Variable Costs: The calculator focuses on standard government tariffs. A full PDA includes many other variable costs:
- Agency Fee: The agent's professional service fee.
- Husbandry Costs: Crew changes, CTM, spares delivery, medical, stores, water, waste disposal, etc. (Costs vary greatly based on requirements).
- Towage: Tugboat fees depend on vessel size, weather, and specific terminal requirements.
- Berthing/Unberthing: Mooring gang charges.
- Specific Service Fees: Launch hire, surveys, repairs coordination, etc.
- Overtime: Potential overtime costs for authorities or stevedores outside normal hours.
- Miscellaneous: Bank charges, communication costs, transport, etc.
- Voyage Specifics: A true PDA is tailored to the exact vessel, voyage details, cargo operations (if any), requested services, and anticipated duration of stay.
- Real-Time Factors: An agent considers current conditions, potential delays, and specific terminal practices when preparing a PDA.
The calculator is an excellent starting point, but a detailed PDA from your agent provides the full financial picture.
How Lightspeed Marine Provides Accurate Cost Management
At Lightspeed Marine, we don't just provide estimates; we focus on comprehensive cost management for ship principals:
- Detailed PDAs: We prepare thorough PDAs based on your specific requirements and our deep understanding of current costs and tariffs in Vietnam.
- FDA Transparency: Our Final Disbursement Accounts (FDAs) are fully transparent and verifiable, with supporting documentation provided.
- Cost Optimization: We proactively advise on potential cost savings and ensure all charges are accurate and justified according to local regulations and tariffs.
- Expert Coordination: Our experienced team efficiently manages all aspects of the port call to minimize delays and associated costs.
Conclusion
Estimating port costs is a vital first step in planning any vessel call to Vietnam. Our free Vietnam Port Charge Calculator offers a valuable tool for obtaining quick estimates of key statutory charges based on official government tariffs. Use it to aid your initial planning and budgeting.
However, for a complete and accurate financial overview, a detailed PDA tailored to your specific voyage is essential. Partner with Lightspeed Marine for expert agency services, reliable husbandry support, transparent cost management, and comprehensive PDAs that help you navigate Vietnamese ports efficiently and cost-effectively.
Use the Port Charge Calculator: https://www.lightspeedmarine.co/port-charge-calculator
Sources:
Circular No. 261/2016/TT-BTC (Effective Jan 1, 2017): The foundational circular detailing maritime fees and charges. (Available via Vietnam Trade Portal: https://www.vietnamtradeportal.gov.vn/index.php?r=site/display&id=1141)
Consolidated Document No. 18/VBHN-BTC (Dated Dec 30, 2021): Consolidates Circular 261 and its amendments up to late 2021. (Available via Government Portal [Vietnamese]: https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?pageid=27160&docid=205128&classid=2629 or Thư Viện Pháp Luật [Vietnamese]: https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Thue-Phi-Le-Phi/Van-ban-hop-nhat-18-VBHN-BTC-2021-Thong-tu-phi-le-phi-hang-hai-504453.aspx)
