In the context of the world moving towards transforming into green industries, how do you evaluate the development of the green maritime industry in Vietnam?

Globally, the shipping industry has made significant progress towards a green transition. Over the past decade, international shipping has become more energy efficient, with lower greenhouse gas emissions per transported unit. Air pollution from shipping has also been reduced, largely due to global regulations.

However, significant challenges remain to achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050, especially in light of increasing transport needs. The global fleet is still dominated by conventional propulsion systems based on fossil fuels. Key challenges include more energy-efficient transport, access to climate-friendly fuels, continued technological development, and the introduction of new propulsion systems with the associated infrastructure.

Infrastructure for the production, distribution, and bunkering of renewable fuels is not yet established on a commercial scale, posing a high-risk factor for decisions in the green transition.

The challenges also represent opportunities. Norway has given this high priority both at policy, regulatory level, including tax incentives and is at the forefront in areas such as zero-emission ferries and high-speed boats, advanced offshore ships, and autonomous vessels.

One important lesson learned from Norway is that close cooperation between authorities and the industry is needed in order to achieve a green transition in the maritime sector.

At the Vietship 2025 exhibition in Hanoi in March, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang emphasised the goal to develop a greener maritime industry in Vietnam. I see this policy signal to be an important step for Vietnam, and I am looking forward to cooperation in this sector moving forward.

What are the focuses in Vietnam-Norway cooperation to boost green maritime activities, and how will this support businesses of the two countries?

In addition to national measures, Norway is actively involved in international initiatives to establish green shipping corridors. These are dedicated routes between ports where it will be possible to operate ships with zero or near-zero emissions. Norway collaborates with other countries to develop such corridors.

The cooperation is managed by the International Maritime Organization, where Vietnam and Norway are both members. In 2019, the GreenVoyage2050 project was launched, aiming to transform the shipping industry towards a lower carbon future. This is a global initiative that helps countries reduce ship emissions by assessing emissions, developing strategies to cut emissions at ports as well as creating national policies and action plans.

The initiative also secures funding for energy-efficient technologies and identifies opportunities for pilot projects through public-private partnerships.

In February, Vietnam was announced as a new partner country of the project, and will get pilot accelerator support. Vietnam will receive tailored technical assistance to assess the feasibility of establishing green maritime transport corridors from Vietnam to ports in the region and worldwide.

The support will include technical and economic feasibility studies, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement strategies, and administrative support. The ultimate aim is to build confidence in these projects and enhance their attractiveness for investment and large-scale implementation.

Norway made a strong presence at VietShip 2025 with a pavilion featuring seven leading companies to showcase Norway’s innovations and advanced solutions for green maritime. Among these seven companies, some have been active in Vietnam for decades, such as VARD, Jotun, and DNV. Together, they have created jobs for thousands of local people and greatly contributed to Vietnam’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, other companies have either invested in Vietnam or are looking for opportunities here. Be new or old, they were all optimistic about the potential of Vietnam’s maritime sector and expressed their willing and readiness to work with local partners to develop the maritime industry and reduce its carbon footprint both in Vietnam and globally.

What lessons from Norway and other countries should Vietnam learn from to develop green maritime?

Norwegian shipping companies control the fourth most valuable fleet in the world, with approximately 2,900 ships globally, and we are at the forefront of technological developments ranging from the first wholly electric ferry in 2014 to autonomous ships and developing future fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.

Norway’s green maritime sector demonstrates the power of government policy, technological innovation, and collaboration in achieving sustainability.

For this purpose, the Norwegian government has developed a long-term vision with policies and regulations that integrates sustainability and encourage the adoption of green tech across all levels of operation, from ship design and operation to fuel production and waste management.

For example, to protect Norwegian fjords, the Norwegian Parliament has also introduced new requirements stipulating that all cruise ships and ferries in the Geirangerfjord and other World Heritage fjords must be emission-free, starting in 2026.

Research and development of green technologies is one of the areas where the Norwegian maritime industry really excels. Our companies are well-known for various solutions to make shipping greener, safer and more cost-effective. To achieve this, they collaborate closely with research and development environments, clients, and national and international actors.

We believe that trust and collaboration are key to ensure that the targets of net-zero and decarbonisation of the maritime sector are reached. Nationally, the tripartite cooperation between the government, labour unions and industry organisations has played a crucial role in the outcome and deliverables of the Norwegian maritime sector. We also attach a great importance to the international cooperation in this process.

I believe that green maritime is the sector that Norway and Vietnam, as well as our various companies, will work closer together both bilaterally and within the Green Voyage 2050 project.

Source: Vietnam Investment Review