According to the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration, it had sent diplomatic notes to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and several neighbouring countries requesting readiness to assist Vietnamese vessels and crews if they require food, supplies or other support.
The agency said it is closely monitoring developments and updating guidance from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), while sharing relevant information with shipping companies and related organisations.
It has also instructed the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (VMRCC) to review and track Vietnamese vessels operating in the region and maintain regular communication with shipowners and crewing companies through a 24-hour hotline.
According to the administration, Vietnam has 151 oil tankers flying the national flag, with an average age of 20.3 years, a combined gross tonnage of more than 1.3 million GT and total deadweight exceeding 2.1 million tonnes. Six of these vessels are crude oil tankers with capacities of more than 100,000 DWT.
Two vessels transport crude oil from offshore fields to the Dung Quat Refinery, while the remaining crude carriers are chartered abroad.
Vietnamese companies also own 99 oil and petroleum product tankers operating under foreign flags, including six large crude carriers of more than 100,000 DWT, all chartered overseas.
At the Binh Son Refinery, most crude oil is sourced domestically, with imports accounting for about 15 per cent, leaving the plant less exposed to Middle East tensions.
In contrast, the Nghi Son Refinery relies entirely on imported crude from the Middle East, receiving around four crude shipments per month, equivalent to roughly 1-1.1 million tonnes.
Authorities warned that disruptions to tanker routes in the Middle East could directly affect crude supply to the refinery. However, refineries typically maintain reserves sufficient for around 30-40 days of operation, during which alternative import sources could be considered, though longer shipping distances may increase costs.
Shipping data provider Drewry said global container freight rates rose by an average of 5 per cent week on week, with the Asia-US West Coast route seeing the biggest increases of 7-10 per cent as vessels rerouted.
The Asia-Europe shipping lane has also been affected as vessels avoid the Strait of Hormuz, forcing some ships to divert around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times and raising costs.
Other routes, including Asia-North America, intra-Asia, Asia-Australia and Europe-Americas, have not been directly affected.
Most major shipping lines have temporarily suspended cargo services from Vietnam to the Middle East and are not accepting new bookings, authorities said.
While freight rates from Vietnam to other destinations have largely remained stable, some carriers operating longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope have introduced additional war-risk surcharges.
The Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration said it will continue monitoring developments in the Middle East conflict to assess potential impacts and prepare appropriate responses for maritime operations.
