Proposal to reduce maritime fees to zero for Vietnamese ships
To support businesses facing ongoing difficulties, a proposal to reduce Vietnam’s maritime fees and charges to zero is being considered as an important solution amid rising shipping costs caused by fuel price fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
Proposal to Reduce Maritime Fees to Zero
The Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration has proposed that the Ministry of Construction submit to the competent authorities a plan to reduce all maritime fees and charges for Vietnamese vessels to 0 VND/GT (gross tonnage).
This measure aims to ease operational cost pressures on domestic shipping companies, especially as the situation in the Middle East remains unstable, leading to sharp increases in fuel prices.
Two Policy Implementation Options
The authority has introduced two possible implementation scenarios:
Option 1: Apply the policy until December 31, 2026, according to the draft Circular of the Ministry of Finance.
Option 2: Apply the policy until domestic fuel prices return to normal and stable levels.
Both options are intended to help Vietnamese shipping enterprises overcome current challenges.
Impact on Shipping Companies
Reducing maritime fees to zero is expected to:
- Lower domestic vessel operating costs
- Support business cash flow
- Stabilize the domestic supply chain
- Enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s shipping fleet
However, the policy mainly applies to domestic routes. For international shipping, fees still depend on regulations imposed by foreign ports.
Not Applicable to International Shipping
The Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration stated that international shipping fees and charges involve multiple countries; therefore, similar reductions cannot be applied.
Ships must still comply with fee regulations at international ports. Meaning international operating costs cannot be significantly reduced.
Support Measures for Different Scenarios
In addition to the fee reduction proposal, authorities have introduced solutions for different situations:
Short-term conflict scenario (<30 days)
- Control freight rates and surcharges
- Ensure transparency in service pricing
- Maintain transport capacity
- Provide timely market information
Prolonged conflict scenario (>30 days)
- Strengthen supervision of prices and surcharges
- Develop the national shipping fleet
- Diversify shipping routes
- Reduce dependence on high-risk regions
Stabilizing Fuel Prices and Supply
Alongside the fee policy, authorities also proposed:
- Stabilizing domestic fuel prices
- Ensuring fuel supply for transportation
- Increasing oil reserves and regulating the market
- Preventing speculation and unreasonable price hikes
These measures play an important role in reducing overall logistics cost pressures.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Authorities also recommended enhancing international cooperation to ensure the safety of Vietnamese vessels. Especially in the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.
Vietnamese diplomatic representatives in the Middle East will be. Asked to closely monitor the situation and support ships and crew members when necessary.
Conclusion
The proposal to reduce Vietnam’s maritime fees to zero is considered an important step in supporting businesses amid ongoing volatility in the shipping market. However, to achieve long-term effectiveness, it should be implemented together with comprehensive solutions related to fuel, logistics, and market expansion.
