Vietnam’s Green Maritime Sector Sails the Growth Tide: An Industry Guide

Vietnam’s maritime sector has a central role to play in the country’s climate strategy. The country has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which now directly impacts how seaport operations work, where investments flow, and how its shipping industry is regulated.

Vietnam’s maritime policy is built on the 2015 Vietnam Maritime Code, which outlines rules on port operations, environmental protection, and safety. Meanwhile, the Law on Environmental Protection (2020) helps reinforce the climate strategy of Hanoi by requiring impact assessments and pollution control for all major infrastructure projects, including maritime transport.

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The country’s maritime and inland waterway transport sectors are also growing at a rapid pace. According to the newly-established Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA), cargo volumes across the national seaport system reached 370.5 million tons during the first four months of 2025, an 11 percent increase compared to the same months in 2024.

Green port criteria and implementation roadmap

One of the flagship initiatives in Vietnam is the development of green ports that are sustainable and eco-friendly in operations. In 2020, Vietnam’s former Ministry of Transport (MoT) approved a national development plan for the development of such ports. This laid the groundwork for integrating green port standards in Vietnam’s maritime infrastructure by 2030.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA), a predecessor of the VIMAWA, has since launched pilot green port initiatives in 2023 for testing the application of green standards in selected ports. Six core criteria have been set for certification, and all ports must meet them by 2030 to become a green port:

• Staff and stakeholder awareness of sustainable practices;
• Efficient use of land, energy, and water resources;
• Pollution control (air, noise, water) and waste management;
• Renewable energy and efficient use in port operations;
• Use of Information Technology (IT) systems for paperless logistics; and
• Climate resilience and emission reductions (cut greenhouse gas, adapt to sea level rise).

Ports must meet at least 60 percent of these indicators to be certified as green.

The VMA introduced the Green Port Criteria Standards (TCCS 02:2022/CHHVN) to institutionalize these criteria, which are now applied at many seaports. Under this, ports are periodically assessed and rated from average to excellent in green performance. Top performers are those who incorporate ISO 14001 environmental management systems and clean technologies at every step.

Ports transitioning to sustainable infrastructure

Several large ports in Vietnam are already shifting to greener and cleaner logistics. Tan Cang – Cat Lai in Ho Chi Minh City became the first Vietnamese port to receive the APEC Green Port Award in 2018. Tan Cang-Cai Mep International Terminal became the second port to receive the Green Port award in 2021.

This tells that Vietnam is witnessing a vibrant environment of investment and a switch to greener infrastructure. For example, ports have been switching from diesel-run cranes and vehicles to electric options, installing hydel and renewable power connections.

Gemalink Deep-sea Port is one of the most advanced in this regard. Located in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster, it operates with 100 percent electric quay and yard cranes, semi-automated cargo handling, and smart port software. According to a transport journal network, newly built major ports are using modern electric-powered cargo handling equipment, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and also improves productivity.

Vietnam is mobilizing about US$13 billion for its green port strategy in public and private investment through 2030. These funds are supposed to be used for eco-friendly upgrades in cargo handling, infrastructure, and emission-reducing systems.

On the business side, companies that align early with green practices often realize benefits and cost savings. The Vietnamese ports report that using electric rubber-tire gantry cranes (e-RTGs) instead of diesel models can cut operating energy costs by up to 80 percent and reduce carbon emissions by a similar 80 percent. Similarly, in Quy Nhon Port, switching to electric cranes and a smart port system has halved the turnaround time for a 50,000-ton cargo ship (from 5 days to 2.5 days).

Aligning Vietnam’s shipping industry with global emissions standards

Vietnam’s shipping industry is keeping pace with international efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and MARPOL 1973/78, Vietnam is enforcing the same standards on sulfur in fuel, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions as other leading maritime nations.

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Since the IMO’s global fuel sulfur cap of 0.5 percent took effect in 2020, Vietnamese shipping lines have moved to low-sulfur fuels or installed onboard scrubbers. Vietnam’s state-owned shipping lines confirmed that vessels now run on fuel with sulfur content at or below the mandated limit.

In 2023, the IMO introduced an improved Greenhouse Gas Strategy that targets a 20 percent reduction in global shipping emissions by 2030 and an 80 percent reduction by 2040 (relative to 2008). The VMA, now the VIMAWA, has endorsed these goals and is developing a domestic green energy conversion roadmap for the sector. This would include encouraging energy-efficient ship designs (meeting or exceeding IMO’s EEDI standards) and promoting measures like route planning and slower steaming to reduce fuel use.

Vietnam also complies with other IMO environmental treaties, for example, the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention to remove toxic hull paints. Vietnam’s maritime regulators aim to ensure that ships flying the Vietnamese flag, as well as foreign ships in Vietnamese waters, meet the same environmental performance benchmarks found in major global ports. This international alignment would keep Vietnam’s shipping industry competitive and welcome in world trade.

National carbon trading and its maritime impact

In 2025, the government launched the pilot phase of its national Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The initial scope covers the three largest emitting industries, power generation, steel, and cement, representing around half of Vietnam’s total CO₂ emissions.

While maritime transport is not included in the pilot phase, government policy indicates an expansion to cargo logistics and shipping after 2029. Under this system, firms emitting above their allotted quotas will need to purchase allowances or carbon offsets, while under-emitters can trade their surplus credits. This would provide direct financial incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Oversight behind Vietnam’s green maritime reforms

Following the consolidation with the MoT, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) now leads maritime policymaking in Vietnam. According to Decree No. 33/2025/ND-CP, it is in charge of implementing sustainability rules at the state level, such as issuing circulars that outline guidelines for waste management norms at ports.

As per Decision No. 08/QD-BXD by the Minister of Construction, the VIMAWA will execute the MoC’s policies as a central regulatory body for seaport operations and maritime safety. The VIMAWA grants ports and vessels licenses, evaluates environmental impact assessments for new infrastructure and runs programs to disseminate IMO regulations in Vietnam. Its predecessor, VMA, developed the national green port criteria and is coordinating the pilot green port projects.

Following the government apparatus restructuring, environmental responsibilities are further shared with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), which sets national pollution control benchmarks and leads broader climate change programs. According to Decree No. 35/2025/NC-CP, the MAE oversees the implementation of Vietnam’s carbon market framework. Where large-scale marine incidents arise, the MAE works alongside MoC to coordinate the response. For companies operating in the Vietnamese maritime sector, engaging with these institutions is essential.

Incentive environment for greener shipping

Recognizing the capital-intensive nature of green upgrades, Vietnam has introduced multiple financial incentives for businesses in sustainable maritime operations.

Green port projects are now classified as eligible for low-interest credit from state banks or tax reductions on imported equipment. It includes infrastructure such as electric cranes, shore power systems, wastewater treatment plants, or renewable energy at ports. Businesses investing in these upgrades may qualify for low-interest financing through state banks and enjoy duty reductions on imported technology and machinery.

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Another form of incentive is recognition and awards. Ports that meet VIMAWA’s environmental criteria receive official Green Port certification, boosting their credibility among international shipping lines.

On the investment side, the Vietnamese government is actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships in green port development.

Foreign investors can own up to 50 percent of ports in Vietnam. But for the development of new ports, under certain conditions, 100 percent foreign ownership is allowed. The national seaport master plan (Vision 2050) has identified international collaboration opportunities in liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations, smart logistics, offshore wind-powered expansions, and port software systems.

How can maritime operators comply with green regulations

All maritime companies, be it port operators or shipping lines, operating in Vietnam must align with national green regulations. They can ensure the following:

Legal awareness

Companies can stay updated on the Vietnam Maritime Code (2015), Law on Environmental Protection (2020), and regulatory changes issued by competent authorities.

Operational planning

Periodic environmental audits help identify compliance gaps in energy use and waste handling. If gaps are found, they can ensure some steps like phasing out diesel equipment, improving waste segregation, and adopting ISO 14001 systems.

Regulatory approvals

For upgrading infrastructure, one may require fresh environmental clearances or licenses from the MAE or local authorities like People’s Committees. Early coordination with the VIMAWA can make the process easier, especially for green-aligned investments.

Reporting and certification

Green Port certification is available through the VIMAWA. And the large firms are also expected to report greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for future emissions trading participation.

How Vietnam compares with Singapore’s green maritime approach

Singapore has established itself as a frontrunner in maritime decarbonization. Its Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) introduced the Maritime Singapore Decarbonization Blueprint, targeting a 50 percent cut in absolute sector emissions by 2050. Financial incentives are central to this strategy.

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To achieve this, Singapore has introduced several incentives under the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative. For example, a Singapore-registered vessel that adopts zero-emission fuels or technologies (like hydrogen fuel cells) can enjoy a 100 percent refund on its initial registration fee and annual tonnage tax. Even ships that use lower-carbon fuels (like LNG or biofuels) receive 20-50 percent reductions in fees. Singapore’s ports also offer 30 percent discounts on port dues for vessels that exceed IMO’s energy efficiency requirements or achieve top ratings in the IMO carbon intensity index.

On the other hand, Vietnam’s model brings together forward-looking regulations with global collaboration. And like Singapore, it has introduced green port standards and is working towards ensuring their compliance. For maritime businesses operating in the region, this convergence is positive, as it indicates regional standards are moving in the same direction.

Outlook

Vietnam’s ports and ships are becoming cleaner and more efficient. Vietnam is actively working with global partners (like Japan, the European Union, and United Nations agencies) on green maritime initiatives or developing green shipping corridors which could potentially link ports like Singapore and Cai Mep.

At the same time, digital transformation is changing port operations through smart technologies that reduce delays and emissions. These combined efforts will help ensure that Vietnam’s long coastline and growing trade network remain competitive and remain an asset in a low-carbon global economy.

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