Staying compliant with evolving regulations is crucial for smooth shipping operations in Vietnam. A recent key development is Decree No. 34/2025/ND-CP, issued by the Vietnamese Government on February 24, 2025, and taking effect on April 10, 2025. This decree amends and supplements several articles of previous decrees governing the management of maritime operations in Vietnamese seaports and navigable waters, most notably Decree No. 58/2017/ND-CP. For ship principals, operators, charterers, and agents, understanding these changes is vital for planning and executing port calls effectively. This article highlights the key amendments introduced by Decree 34/2025.
Decree 34/2025 aims to refine and update the rules managing activities within Vietnam's seaport waters and navigation channels. It modifies specific procedures, responsibilities, and requirements outlined in earlier legislation, particularly Decree 58/2017/ND-CP, to align with current operational realities and safety standards.
One of the most significant updates concerns the requirement for Maritime Safety Assurance Plans. Decree 34 clarifies and potentially expands the situations where such a plan must be developed by the relevant investor/operator and approved by competent authorities before activities commence.
Situations Requiring an Approved Plan now include:
Approval Authority:
Implication for Operators/Agents: This explicit requirement for terminals receiving larger-than-specified vessels is critical. Before confirming a call with a large vessel (especially ULCVs or those pushing terminal limits), principals/agents must ensure the terminal operator possesses an approved Maritime Safety Assurance Plan covering that vessel size. Failure to do so could lead to delays or refusal of entry. This adds an essential verification step to port call planning for larger ships.
Decree 34 also refines rules related to the ongoing management and operation of seaports:
Implication for Operators/Agents: This emphasizes increased regulatory focus on ensuring infrastructure suitability and safety when handling larger vessels. While primarily the terminal operator's responsibility, it signals to vessel operators the importance of selecting terminals demonstrably capable and approved for their ship's size.
Decree 34/2025 amends various other clauses within Decree 58/2017 and potentially other related decrees. While less impactful on day-to-day vessel operations than the points above, these may include adjustments to administrative procedures, timelines for approvals by authorities (like the 3-day response time for VINAMARINE on certain plan approvals), and specific definitions or responsibilities outlined in the maritime legal framework.
Decree 34/2025/ND-CP introduces important refinements to Vietnam's maritime operational management framework, effective April 10, 2025. The most significant changes for international shipping involve the clarified requirements for Maritime Safety Assurance Plans, especially when terminals accommodate vessels larger than their initial design specifications. Proactive planning, thorough verification of terminal capabilities and approvals, and close coordination with knowledgeable local agents are essential to ensure compliance and maintain smooth port operations under these updated regulations.
Lightspeed Marine stays abreast of all regulatory changes. Contact us for expert assistance navigating Vietnamese port requirements.
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