The British Marine Equipment Association (BMEA) is organising a Trade Mission to Vietnamese new build, conversion and yacht repair yards within striking distance of Ho Chi Minh City. The majority of the shipyards are under the control of Vinashin.
The mission will depart from UK airports on Saturday 5th March 2011. The yard visits will be spread over two days and will be scheduled for Monday 7th March and Tuesday 8th March.
BMEA then plan to attend the International Trade Fair in Ho Chi Minh City from Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th March, departing for UK airports on Saturday 12th March 2011.
The Vietnamese yards are competing against China on price and quality and the expansion of the shipyards dotted along their coastline is moving at a rapid pace. Shipbuilding is one of the major priority sectors of the Government of Vietnam. Indeed, the Government is pumping in some US$750 million into the sector to finance the modernisation of the yards to meet future international quality standards.
The Government plans to extend their shipbuilding capacity in the next few years to container ships of 1,500 TEU, cargo ships and oil tankers up to 100,000 tonnes and ship repair facilities to take very large oil tankers and bulk carriers up to 400,000 tonnes.
Vietnam has aspirations to be the fourth largest shipbuilder over the next decade. As well as producing a wide range of commercial vessels it is also heavily involved in the construction of offshore vessels, oil rigs and units as well as repair and conversions.
Ports and Terminals are also an exciting growth area in southern Vietnam.
UKTI Tap Grants of £1400 are available for eligible UK SMEs.
