While many economic sectors were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s shipbuilding industry continued to grow, affirming its strong and growing position in the international space. Vietnam’s shipbuilding industry achieved many accomplishments in 2024 with the construction, launching and delivery of many specialized ships, contributing to the world’s fleet, operating on global shipping routes.

By 2030, to develop the maritime economy, the Vietnamese fleet is expected to be restructured and developed to about 1,600 to 1,750 vessels with a total tonnage of 17-18 million DWT, of which the marine transport fleet will be about 1,200 vessels with a total tonnage of about 13 million DWT to 14 million DWT. The aging of the fleet and the increasing requirement to comply with environmental regulations, especially the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s regulations on mandatory clean energy conversion under COP 26, will promote the growth of the shipbuilding industry in the coming time when a new generation of modern ships is needed to replace the old, aging fleet to meet the demand.

As of June 30, 2024, Vietnam has 88 shipbuilding enterprises and 411 inland waterway vehicle construction facilities (of which about 120 can build and repair…