Do ships operate on international navigation routes need to be registered in Vietnam?

1. Do ships operate on international navigation routes need to be registered in Vietnam?

In Clause 1, Article 19 of the 2015 Maritime Code, it is stipulated as follows:

1. Types of ships subject to registration recorded in the national register of ships of Vietnam include:

a) Engine-powered ship that has the capacity of main engine of more than 75 kilowatt (KW);

b) Ship without engine which has the total capacity of more than 50 GT, or gross tonnage of more than 100 tonnes, or has the design waterline length of more than 20 meters (m);

c) Ships which have smaller sizes than those stipulated in subparagraph a and b of this paragraph, but operate on international navigation routes.

Thus, in your case, ships operating on international navigation routes must be registered according to regulations in Vietnam.

2. What requirements must a ship meet to be eligible for registration in Vietnam?

In Clause 1, Article 20 of the 2015 Maritime Code, it is stipulated as follows:

1. Ships must meet the following requirements to be eligible for registration:

a) Legitimate written proof of ownership of a sea vessel;

b) Certification of capacity and certification of ship classification;

c) Ship’s name;

d) Certification of temporary suspension or removal of registration, which is applicable to ships that have been registered abroad except for temporary registration;

dd) Ship owner's business office, branch or representative office located within the territory of Vietnam;

e) With respect to the initial registration or reregistration of a foreign second-hand ship in Vietnam, its age must be corresponding to the Government’s stipulated age of specific ships;

g) All statutory fees or charges have been paid.

Thus, to be eligible for registration, a ship needs to satisfy all 07 conditions specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the 2015 Maritime Code in Vietnam.

Best Regards!