At the beginning of 2025, Vietnam officially became a new partner country of the GreenVoyage2050 program, a global initiative to support developing countries in reducing emissions from maritime shipping under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The program includes an Accelerated Support Component that facilitates the implementation of technical and economic feasibility studies, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement strategies, and administrative support. The ultimate goal is to build trust in green maritime corridor development projects, increase their attractiveness to investors, and drive large-scale implementation.
Launched in 2019 by the Norwegian Government in collaboration with the IMO, GreenVoyage2050 aims to assist countries in reducing emissions from the maritime sector by assessing emissions, creating emission reduction strategies at ports, and developing national policies and action plans.
Hilde Solbakken, the Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized that Norway is working with several countries, including Vietnam, to develop green maritime corridors — specialized routes between ports capable of operating vessels with zero or near-zero emissions. The IMO coordinates This cooperation, with both Vietnam and Norway being members.
In addition to national measures, Norway actively participates in international initiatives to establish green shipping routes.
At the Vietship 2025 exhibition held in Hanoi in early March 2025, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang emphasized the goal of promoting greener maritime development in Vietnam. At the exhibition, Norway showcased a prominent booth with seven leading companies offering innovative solutions in the green marine sector. Companies like VARD, Jotun, and DNV, which have been in Vietnam for decades, have contributed significantly to local job creation and Vietnam's economic growth.
Other Norwegian companies have also invested in Vietnam or are exploring new partnership opportunities. Whether longstanding partners or new entrants, all these companies expressed optimism about the growth potential of Vietnam's maritime industry and their desire to collaborate closely with local partners to develop a greener and more sustainable maritime industry globally, not just in Vietnam.