On September 15, 2020, the retired marine training ship Hannara departed from the South Korean port of Busan on a mission to the Vietnamese port of Haiphong. This voyage, expected to last about seven days, is significant as it marks the ship’s transition to a new role in marine education.
The Hannara, which had been operated by the Korea Maritime and Ocean University for 27 years, was transferred to Vietnam as part of an initiative to bolster marine training in the country. Vietnam has faced challenges in developing skilled marine engineers due to a lack of adequate training vessels. Recognizing this need, the Vietnamese government requested assistance from South Korea, leading to an official agreement for the ship’s transfer in 2019.
This initiative is part of a broader support strategy by the South Korean government, through its Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, which aims to provide various forms of assistance to Vietnam. In addition to the training ship, South Korea plans to offer maritime equipment and educational expertise to enhance Vietnam’s seafarer training programs.
The Hannara is a noteworthy vessel, weighing 3,640 tons and capable of accommodating up to 50 crew members and 152 trainees. During its 27 years of service at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, the ship played a crucial role in producing highly qualified marine engineers.
The current mission is under the command of a South Korean captain and a crew of 11, who will oversee the delivery of the ship to the Vietnam Maritime University and share their operational know-how. This transfer not only symbolizes cooperation between the two nations but also represents a significant step forward in addressing Vietnam’s maritime education challenges.
In summary, the transfer of the Hannara to Vietnam underscores a collaborative effort to enhance the capabilities of Vietnamese marine training institutions and align with the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals in the region.
