The Ministry of National Defense has proposed suspending all production and business activities at Cam Ranh International Port in Vietnam in the event of any defense-related situations or large-scale exercises. 

This proposal is part of a draft prime ministerial decision by the ministry, aimed at revising the management regulations of the port, which is located in a strategically important area in south-central Khanh Hoa Province serving defense, security, foreign affairs, and economic development purposes.

The ministry is seeking feedback from various organizations and individuals, requesting that they submit their opinions before Friday.

The current management framework for Cam Ranh International Port, established under Decision No. 25 issued by the prime minister on June 27, 2016, was previously amended on October 3, 2019. 

However, with the Law on Management and Protection of National Defense Works and Military Zones taking effect on January 1, 2025, Cam Ranh Military Base has been designated a Type A military zone, necessitating stringent management and protection measures to ensure absolute safety and confidentiality. ​

Therefore, the ministry's draft focuses on updating provisions that are no longer aligned with current practices and legal requirements. 

Accordingly, the ministry proposed that production and business activities at Cam Ranh International Port be suspended in case of any defense-related situations or large-scale drills. 

However, such suspensions could lead to delays or cancelations of existing contracts, resulting in significant direct and indirect economic losses, the ministry noted. 

During its operation at the port, Tan Cang - Petro Cam Ranh Company Limited –  which engages in various sectors, including port operations, maritime services, shipbuilding and repair, oil and gas projects, tourism, security services, and entertainment – typically includes force majeure clauses in its contracts, covering events such as operational halts for national defense purposes. 

Therefore, in the event of suspensions due to defense-related circumstances or large-scale exercises, the company should proactively request that competent authorities issue documentation of such suspensions. 

This documentation serves as evidence to demonstrate to partners that the operational halt qualifies as a force majeure event, the ministry said.

In addition to this proposal, the defense ministry has suggested several amendments to current regulations, including financial assurances for defense activities at the port, protocols for the arrival and departure of foreign military vessels, regulations for the entry and exit of Vietnamese individuals and vehicles at the port, and guidelines for services and activities permitted within the port area. 

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