Regulatory Perspective on Green Port Development in Vietnam

Ports are increasingly vital in global trade flows and have significant adverse environmental impacts. As a result, green ports have gained attention and affirmed their importance in environmental protection and economic development efforts. Vietnam, a developing country with rapid economic growth and a fast-expanding seaport sector, only began formulating and implementing green port policies in 2020. The government is still in the pilot phase of greening select seaports nationwide. The transition toward sustainable ports remains a long and challenging journey. International law does not prescribe a standardized framework for green port evaluation criteria, as these depend on the specific conditions of each country. Therefore, this article will analyze Vietnam’s legal framework on green ports, assessing its advantages and limitations in promoting sustainable port development.