In the morning of May 18, 2026, Vietnam Maritime University (VMU) officially held the Opening Ceremony of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on “Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy Development in Vietnam” implemented under the cooperation program on Assessment and Capacity Enhancement for Blue Economy and Green Maritime Development in Vietnam.
The Opening Ceremony of the Training of Trainers (ToT)
The program is organized with the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ha Noi and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam. Its brings together representatives from international organizations, government agencies, universities, research institutes, and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
In his opening remarks, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Vice President of Vietnam Maritime University, highlighted the growing global challenges related to climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and sustainable use of ocean resource. He emphasized that green maritime development, green ports, low-emission shipping, and sustainable ocean governance are increasingly becoming strategic priorities of the international maritime community. He also noted that the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net Zero target has created an urgent need for enhanced capacity building among educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and maritime stakeholders.
The opening remark of Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Vice President of Vietnam Maritime University
Ms. Mette Møglestue, Deputy Head of Mission at Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ha Noi, emphasized the important role of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in promoting sustainable blue economy development while protecting marine ecosystem protection. In the context of Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income country by 2045 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, she highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, multi-stakeholder cooperation, and capacity building in marine governance. She also acknowledged the significant contributions of Vietnam Maritime University to education, research, and policy development related to marine spatial planning and the blue economy in Vietnam.
Ms. Mette Møglestue, Deputy Head of Mission delivered her remarks
Representing UNDP Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thang highly appreciated the VMU’s role in maritime education, research, and human resource development. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening marine spatial planning and promoting sustainable blue economy development in Vietnam.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thang shared her speech at the ceremony
The five-day training program focuses on topics such as Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), integrated coastal governance, green maritime development, GIS applications, sustainable marine infrastructure, and marine environmental protection.
Some photos of the training days
As part of the program, participants also joined field study visits to Cai Lan Port and Ha Long Bay to gain practical insights into sustainable port development, coastal management, and marine ecosystem conservation.
Field study activities at Cai Lan Port and Ha Long Bay
The training program is expected to serve as an important foundation for the continued development and implementation of future initiatives promoting sustainable blue economy development in Vietnam through marine spatial planning and multi-stakeholder approaches, in cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam and UNDP Vietnam.