Vietnam Seeks Safe Passage for Ships Through Hormuz as Regional Risks Escalate

Vietnam is moving to safeguard its maritime operations in the Middle East, proposing diplomatic engagement to ensure safe passage for its ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The recommendation comes as rising geopolitical tensions and security risks in the region begin to disrupt shipping routes and increase operational uncertainty for Vietnamese shipping companies.

A critical chokepoint under pressure

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, handling a significant share of global oil shipments.

Vietnam currently has 19 vessels operating in the Middle East that may need to pass through the strait. These include both Vietnam flagged ships and vessels owned by Vietnamese companies but registered under foreign flags.

While some ships continue normal operations, others have been forced to delay or anchor while waiting for safer conditions.

Proposal to prioritize Vietnamese vessels

Vietnam’s maritime authorities have proposed a tiered approach to ensure safe transit.

Top priority would be given to Vietnam flagged ships transporting goods between Vietnam and the Middle East. The next group includes foreign flagged vessels owned by Vietnamese firms with Vietnamese crew members. The final group covers foreign flagged ships owned by Vietnamese companies operating outside Vietnam related trade routes.

The proposal also includes a request for Iran to issue official guidance confirming safe navigation conditions. Such confirmation is critical for shipping companies to secure insurance coverage, which is currently limited due to heightened risk.

Energy supply and trade at stake

Beyond logistics, the issue directly impacts Vietnam’s energy security.

Authorities are seeking support to ensure uninterrupted transport of crude oil and petroleum products from the Middle East to Vietnam. Any prolonged disruption could affect fuel supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers.

Shipping delays and rerouting are already adding pressure to logistics networks, potentially affecting import export activities.

Support measures for shipping companies

To help offset rising costs, Vietnam is also implementing domestic support measures.

Maritime pilotage service providers have been encouraged to reduce fees by at least 10 percent for Vietnam flagged vessels, particularly oil tankers, during a defined period from April to early May.

These steps aim to ease financial pressure on shipping companies facing higher fuel costs and operational risks.

The bottom line

Vietnam’s push for coordinated support in the Strait of Hormuz reflects the growing intersection between geopolitics and global supply chains.

For businesses and policymakers, the situation highlights how external risks can quickly impact trade flows, energy security, and logistics costs, reinforcing the need for proactive and coordinated responses.