Artificial intelligence (AI) is contributing to the formation of a new workforce that handles tasks at Vietnamese ports with speed and precision. Among the successes is Nam Đình Vũ Port (Hai Phong City), which has taken a leading role.
Speaking with reporters from the Information & Communications Technology Magazine, Mr. Tạ Minh Vang, Chairman of CEH Company, explained that cargo handling at ports requires many specialized operations, such as identifying container numbers, vehicle numbers, trailer numbers, driver information, driver’s licenses, vehicle inspections, delivery orders, payment information, automated customs clearance, displaying container lift/lowering positions, issuing electronic interchange receipts (EIRs), and taking lifecycle photos of containers and trucks entering and exiting the port. Additionally, ports must integrate and exchange data with over 100 shipping systems worldwide.

Now, with the support of SmartGate, an AI-powered solution, all of these operations are processed within a single second. This enables vehicles to move continuously through the gate, minimizing processing time and congestion outside the port. SmartGate AI also links port systems with the General Department of Customs to facilitate automated customs clearance for customers. All operations are carried out meticulously, intelligently, quickly, transparently, and securely.
Developed by young Vietnamese engineers at CEH Informations Company, the “Make in Vietnam” SmartGate AI product has outperformed similar solutions from Thailand, China, Taiwan, the US, and Belgium. It has been successfully implemented at three major ports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong City.
Reports indicate that these “AI virtual workers” are gradually gaining the trust of port operators, customers, and drivers. After overcoming initial skepticism, the new AI-assisted methods are becoming familiar and user-friendly, fostering a harmonious interaction between humans and machines.
Using a centralized processing system, AI is deployed effortlessly by connecting with existing IoT devices at gates, such as cameras, sensors, and barriers. AI also connects to Vietnam’s digital port platform (VSL) and SmartPort to retrieve data for comparison, decision-making, and action within approximately two seconds.
Since its deployment, SmartGate AI has completely eliminated the need for gate-based logistics staff, reduced prolonged traffic congestion in port areas, and enabled the issuance of inheritable digital documents between port businesses and shipping companies.
When asked whether AI would “take away” human jobs, Mr. Tạ Minh Vang emphasized that the deployment of SmartGate AI reflects the necessity for businesses to adopt technology to reduce administrative procedures, improve accuracy, lower operational and logistics costs, and enhance competitiveness. He acknowledged that AI would increasingly compete with humans for jobs, urging people to improve their professional skills to avoid being left behind.
Following its successful implementation, on January 15, 2025, the SmartGate application received the Bronze Prize at the 2024 “Make in Vietnam” Awards.

On the same day, SmartGate was deployed at the Tan Cang Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HICT – Hai Phong), further cementing the position of “Make in Vietnam” technology products both domestically and as they gradually enter international markets.