As of March 3, the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration has identified eight vessels with Vietnamese crew members operating in the Middle East, specifically near key maritime locations like Ghasha Island in Abu Dhabi, the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Umm Qasr in Iraq, and Hamriyah port in the UAE. These vessels are managed by various companies, including PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation and Petrolimex Tanker Corporation.
In light of rising tensions in the region, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating responses with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of both ships and their crews. Risk assessments are underway, and contingency plans are being developed based on information from the foreign ministry. An online monitoring system has been established to keep track of Vietnamese vessels and seafarers, supplemented by a hotline for real-time support.
Shipowners and crewing firms have been advised to monitor updates from foreign maritime authorities and the International Maritime Organisation, assessing risks and adjusting operations as necessary. The ships in the region are mandated to operate at heightened security levels, maintain regular communication and position reporting, and ensure that their automatic identification systems are functioning properly. Additionally, crew members are asked to limit work on open decks while transiting the potentially hazardous Strait of Hormuz.
Companies are encouraged to stay in close contact with Vietnamese authorities and diplomatic missions for assistance and to review information regarding vessels and personnel in the area. The escalating tensions have prompted some global shipping lines to implement war-risk surcharges and reroute their vessels, thereby increasing logistics costs for exporters and importers.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has slowed significantly, with some carriers suspending or diverting their services due to heightened risks. This situation could complicate the prospects of normal shipping through the Red Sea by 2026, leading some operators to consider longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
Vietnam’s private economic development research board has issued a warning that container freight rates could skyrocket to over USD 5,000 per 40-foot container, as war-risk insurance and fuel surcharges rise in tandem with Brent crude prices. Opting for longer shipping routes around southern Africa, as opposed to the Suez Canal, could add an additional 10 to 14 days to Asia-Europe voyages, placing further strain on global supply chains, particularly impacting the delivery of automotive parts, electronics, and agricultural exports.
In summary, the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, prompting significant repercussions for maritime operations and logistics in the region. Stakeholders in the shipping industry must remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate these challenging circumstances effectively.
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