Vietnam's maritime transport sector continues to evolve with significant regulatory updates in 2025. This comprehensive guide explores the latest changes in maritime transport laws, providing essential information for industry stakeholders and professionals.
1. Introduction to Vietnam's Maritime Transport Framework
Vietnam's maritime transport framework represents a complex interconnection of domestic regulations and international maritime conventions. The 2025 updates reflect the country's commitment to modernizing its maritime sector while ensuring compliance with global standards.
Key Components of the Framework:
Updated Maritime Code of Vietnam
International maritime conventions and agreements
Domestic implementing regulations
Port authority guidelines
2. Major Updates in Maritime Transport Laws for 2025
The 2025 regulatory updates introduce significant changes to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental protection in maritime operations.
The government has issued Decree No. 34/2025/ND-CP, amending and supplementing several decrees in the maritime sector. The main revisions focus on Decree No. 58/2017/ND-CP, which details provisions of the Vietnam Maritime Code concerning maritime management.
This decree has also been previously amended by:
Decree No. 76/2021/ND-CP, which defines criteria for port classification
Decree No. 69/2022/ND-CP, revising regulations on business operations in the maritime sector
Decree No. 74/2023/ND-CP, modifying procedures and administrative processes in maritime affairs
3. Requirements for Shipping Companies
Shipping companies operating in Vietnamese waters must adhere to stringent compliance requirements.
3.1 Business Conditions (Chapter II of Decree 160/2016/ND-CP)
General conditions: Businesses or cooperatives engaged in maritime transport must be established in accordance with the law.
Conditions for international maritime transport:
Finance: A minimum guarantee of VND 5 billion or insurance coverage as required.
Vessels: At least one legally registered ship; if flying the Vietnamese flag, it must meet national technical standards.
Management and personnel:
A safety management unit (in accordance with ISM Code) and maritime security unit (per ISPS Code).
Safety and security personnel must be trained and certified as required.
Conditions for domestic maritime transport: At least one ship flying the Vietnamese flag, complying with national technical standards.
Conditions for foreign organizations in domestic maritime transport:
Must establish a joint venture company, with foreign ownership not exceeding 49%.
Foreign crew members must not exceed one-third of the ship’s complement; the captain or chief officer must be a Vietnamese citizen.
3.2 Licensing Documents
1. Business License for Maritime Transport:
Application form (Form No. 01 in the Appendix of Decree 160/2016/ND-CP).
Ship Registration Certificate (certified copy with the original for verification).
2. Domestic Maritime Transport License for Foreign Ships (Article 6 of Circular 50/2016/TT-BGTVT, as amended by Circular 08/2022/TT-BGTVT):
Application form (Appendix I of the Circular).
Ship Registration Certificate (certified copy).
Ship classification documents (certified copies) including safety and environmental protection certificates (as per Circular 41/2016/TT-BGTVT).
Documents related to the foreign shipowner (if applicable):
Agency contract or authorization letter for representation in Vietnam.
Ship leasing contract between the foreign shipowner and a Vietnamese entity.
3.3 Licensing Process
Submission: The enterprise submits the application to the Vietnam Maritime Administration (directly, by post, or through other appropriate methods).
Review & verification: Within 02 working days, the Administration will either request modifications or issue a receipt if the application is complete.
Evaluation & approval: Within 05 working days, the Administration reviews and grants the Certificate or issues a written rejection stating the reasons.
The new regulations streamline documentation processes while maintaining robust oversight:
Document Type
Validity Period
Renewal Process
Vessel License
5 years
Digital submission
Operation Permit
3 years
Online renewal
Safety Certificate
2 years
Physical inspection required
4. Compliance Requirements
4.1 Documentation Requirements
Maritime safety certification: Compliance with SOLAS and the Vietnam Maritime Code, including safety equipment, fire prevention systems, and emergency rescue facilities.
Environmental certification: Adherence to MARPOL regulations on pollution control, including proper waste management, emissions control, and ballast water treatment.
Crew certification: All seafarers must hold qualifications under STCW, ensuring competency in ship operations and safety procedures.
Ship maintenance records: Documentation of regular inspections and technical maintenance as required by the Vietnam Maritime Code and the Ministry of Transport.
Operational permits: Meeting legal requirements for vessel operations and maritime logistics services.
4.2 Operational Standards
Maritime safety: Regular maintenance and inspections to ensure vessel seaworthiness.
Environmental protection: Proper waste management to prevent illegal disposal of waste or oil at sea.
Crew training and management: Ensuring that all personnel undergo regular safety training and hold valid certifications.
Logistics services: Efficient cargo handling, meeting delivery timelines, and ensuring product quality during transportation.
5. Safety and Environmental Regulations
According to Transport Magazine, Vietnam's maritime sector is advancing environmental protection efforts to meet international commitments. New port investments feature modern, automated cargo handling systems powered by electricity, reducing labor costs, improving efficiency, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Port operations must strictly adhere to environmental regulations, including pollution control, waste collection and treatment, and emergency response protocols (Article 1.5, Chapter II, QCVN 107: 2021/BGTVT).
1. Environmental Pollution Control:
Ports must implement measures to prevent pollution from ships, hazardous chemical incidents, wastewater, and toxic discharges.
Vietnamese ships must undergo registration, inspection, and certification for pollution prevention, complying with both domestic and international standards.
2. Waste Collection and Treatment: Ports must be equipped with waste collection, storage, and treatment systems or partner with specialized service providers to ensure proper handling.
3. Environmental Incident Response:
Ports must comply with technical standards for oil spill response and hazardous chemical management, ensuring environmental safety and public health.
4. Environmental Impact Assessment (Articles 4, 28, 48 of the Maritime Code):
Organizations and individuals in the maritime sector must conduct environmental impact assessments and implement pollution prevention and remediation measures.
Shipbreaking facilities must meet strict environmental protection requirements before commencing operations.
6. International Maritime Agreements and Their Impact
Vietnam's maritime regulations align with international standards while maintaining specific domestic requirements:
Key IMO Conventions:
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea): Establishes minimum safety standards for ships to protect lives at sea.
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships): Implements pollution control measures, including waste disposal and emissions regulations.
STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers): Sets training and certification standards for seafarers to ensure competency.
ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code): Strengthens security measures for ships and port facilities to mitigate security threats.
ISM Code (International Safety Management Code): Requires shipping companies to establish safety management systems to ensure safe and efficient operations.
7. Practical Implementation Guide
Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist:
Review updated regulations – Stay informed about legal changes to maintain compliance.
Assess current compliance status – Identify areas where updates are needed.
The 2025 updates to Vietnam's maritime transport laws represent a significant step forward in modernizing the sector. Companies operating in Vietnamese waters must ensure full compliance with these new regulations to maintain smooth operations.
Additional Resources
Vietnam Maritime Law overview
Seaport Management Decrees
Maritime Safety Regulations
For the latest updates and detailed guidance, contact the Maritime Authority of Vietnam or consult with our maritime law experts at Harley Miller Law Firm
Vietnamese
