Hanoi, January 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA), operating under the Ministry of Transport, is formulating a comprehensive proposal to enhance the operational capacity of public maritime infrastructure and port facilities. This initiative responds to the growing trend of larger cargo vessels, such as Megamax ships, increasingly docking at Vietnamese ports.
According to the VMA, the deployment of these larger vessels on Asia-Europe and Asia-North America routes has improved fuel efficiency per transported TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). However, the ships’ increased size necessitates deeper navigation channels, greater draft capacity, and enhanced safety and infrastructure standards.
The proposal seeks to address infrastructure limitations caused by natural conditions at Vietnamese ports. It includes mechanisms to enable ports to safely and efficiently accommodate larger vessels while maintaining their attractiveness to global shipping lines.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- Enhancing existing maritime infrastructure to optimize efficiency.
- Developing a roadmap for phased infrastructure upgrades.
- Prioritizing safety protocols to handle larger ships effectively.
To ensure maritime safety, the Ministry of Transport has directed the VMA to review and assess safety protocols at terminals handling vessels larger than previously approved. Port operators must strictly adhere to approved safety plans to guarantee seamless operations. Additionally, the VMA has been tasked with rectifying existing shortcomings before permitting ports to handle vessels exceeding their original design specifications.
The proposal highlights the strategic importance of Vietnamese ports in sustaining competitiveness within global supply chains. By upgrading port infrastructure, improving navigation channels, and reinforcing safety measures, Vietnam aims to establish itself as a pivotal maritime hub in the region.
This initiative is expected to attract further investments from global shipping lines, bolstering the growth of Vietnam’s logistics and maritime industries while reinforcing its position as a key player in regional and international trade.
