According to Nguyen Ha Hai, a representative from the Vietnam Maritime Administration, among the 17 Vietnamese-owned ships in the Middle East, eight fly the Vietnamese flag while nine operate under foreign flags. These vessels are engaged in cargo transport within the Middle East and are currently operating normally. However, a challenge arises as some ships require crew changes for seafarers whose contracts have expired, but there are no available flights to the Middle East.

In adherence to the ship and port security law and regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), all vessels must have an assessed and approved security plan. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Middle East waters, ships are required to implement the highest level of safety and security measures to mitigate risks. This includes maintaining seamless communication, ensuring the automatic identification system (AIS) operates accurately, and being prepared to deactivate or adjust it according to maritime authority instructions.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration has dispatched diplomatic notes to the embassies of five Middle Eastern countries – UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait – requesting their readiness to provide essential support, such as food and supplies, to Vietnamese seafarers when needed.

Some Vietnamese ships operating in the Middle East waters. *Photo: VIETNAM MRCC*

By the end of 2025, Vietnam's merchant fleet is projected to comprise over 1,400 vessels with a total deadweight tonnage (DWT) of approximately 9.4 million, ranking 26th globally and accounting for 0.8% of the world's fleet market share. This includes around 220 foreign-flagged ships owned by Vietnamese enterprises, with a combined DWT of 5 million.

Many Vietnamese ship owners opt to register their vessels under foreign flags primarily because larger, older ships often do not meet the registration requirements for flying the Vietnamese flag. This practice also offers businesses advantages such as reduced taxes and fees, greater flexibility in international shipping routes, and ease of chartering, eliminating the need to return ships to Vietnam for registration procedures.

Doan Loan