The Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration (VIMAWA) is urging the Ministry of Construction to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and engage Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of Vietnamese vessels and crews through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 19 Vietnamese-owned vessels are operating in the Middle East, comprising four under the Vietnamese flag and 15 registered under foreign flags. With rising security concerns in the region, VIMAWA highlighted the necessity for enhanced coordination with relevant partners to safeguard maritime operations and protect crew safety.
The administration has outlined a proposal prioritizing the safe operation and transit of Vietnamese-flagged vessels, as well as foreign-flagged ships owned by Vietnamese companies. The first priority would be given to Vietnamese-flagged ships carrying goods between the Middle East and Vietnam. The second tier includes foreign-flagged vessels owned by Vietnamese firms that have Vietnamese crew members on board. The third tier would apply to foreign-flagged vessels owned by Vietnamese firms with foreign crews involved in cargo transportation beyond Vietnam’s borders.
Furthermore, VIMAWA suggested that Iran should facilitate the passage of Vietnamese ships transporting crude oil and petroleum products from the Middle East to Vietnam, which is crucial for maintaining the country’s stable energy supply. The agency also called for Iran to issue formal notifications permitting Vietnamese ships and seafarers to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This would enable Vietnamese shipping companies to obtain war-risk insurance, as many insurers currently refrain from providing coverage without official confirmation from Iranian authorities.
To improve safety measures, VIMAWA recommends that the Ministry of Construction instruct the MoFA to direct Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the Middle East to closely monitor regional developments. These missions will provide timely updates and support for Vietnamese vessels and crews in case of emergencies.
Recently, VIMAWA convened a meeting with representatives from the MoFA, the Consular Department, and various embassies from Middle Eastern countries, including Vietnamese shipping enterprises operating in the region. During the meeting, businesses called on state agencies to liaise with Iranian authorities to secure favorable conditions and safety guarantees for Vietnamese-owned vessels and crews, ensuring their ability to operate and transit safely in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
Overall, VIMAWA’s initiatives aim not only to enhance maritime safety but also to foster cooperation between Vietnam and Iran, emphasizing safe navigation and the welfare of Vietnamese maritime operations in this strategically significant waterway.
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