Hai Phong, 28 January 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, with support from the Government of Norway, convened the kick-off meeting for the study “Assessment and Enhancing Capacity Building on Blue Economy and Green Maritime Development in Viet Nam” at Viet Nam Maritime University in Hai Phong.

The activity is implemented under the programme “Planning of National Marine Space for Ocean Sustainability and Climate Change Response in Viet Nam”, which supports Viet Nam in strengthening ocean governance, promoting the sustainable use of marine space, and enhancing resilience to climate change, marine protected areas conservation and development.

The study will conduct the Preliminary Assessment Report, involving mapping policies, identifying gap analysis, and scanning green investment potentials, the Blue Economy (BE) (such as green shipping, green port) while linking Vietnam's context to Norway's experience, knowledge transfer in Ocean Governance and Marine Spatial Planning.

Speaking at the event, First Secretary of the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, Mr Erlend Skutlaberg, stated, “Norway is proud to support this initiative, which reflects our shared goal: to ensure that the transition to a blue and green economy is equitable, knowledge-driven, and rooted in long-term sustainability. To achieve this goal, marine spatial planning is a critical tool. As a leading academic institution, Viet Nam Maritime University will make a vital contribution through advancing marine science and developing the next generation of ocean leaders. Norway remains committed to continuing this partnership with Vietnam and all stakeholders to advance MSP implementation, strengthen ocean governance, and support capacity building for green maritime development.”

Emphasising the importance of governance and capacity development, Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Viet Nam, said, “Greening the maritime sector is not just a technology challenge, but a governance one. We must focus on key areas: ocean space management, ministerial coordination, cross- sectoral synergy, and capacity building.”

Highlighting the role of academia, PGS, TS. Nguyễn Minh Đức, Vice Rector of Viet Nam Maritime University, noted, “As Viet Nam advances its commitments to green growth and climate action, the maritime sector and the blue economy play a vital role in national development while facing increasing demands for a greener and more sustainable transition. This programme provides an important foundation for promoting green maritime development through sound assessment, strengthened capacity, and close cooperation among key stakeholders.”

Alongside the assessment, the initiative places strong emphasis on capacity development. A specialised Training of Trainers programme will be designed and organized for core technical staff and experts, covering areas such as green ports, sustainable maritime infrastructure, GIS applications, risk simulation and responses. The programme aims to support the development of a pool of trainers who can contribute to the green transition of the maritime sector across Viet Nam’s coastal provinces and cities.

Viet Nam Maritime University plays a central role in implementing the study and associated capacity-building activities. The initiative is expected to strengthen links between policy, research, and education, with a long-term vision of integrating relevant content into university and professional training programmes.

The kick-off meeting brought together representatives from national and local authorities, academic institutions, international partners, and the private sector. Participants highlighted the importance of integrated ocean governance, evidence-based planning, and sustained capacity development to support Viet Nam’s transition towards a sustainable blue economy and a greener maritime sector.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Mobile: 0948466688

Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
Information and Communications Advisor
Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi
Email: Thi.kim.thanh.nguyen@mfa.no   
Mobile: 0904637298