Morning of June 4, 2026: Shandong Port Group delegation visits Vietnam Maritime University

On the morning of June 4, 2026, a delegation from Shandong Port Group (SPG), China, visited and worked with Vietnam Maritime University. The meeting was held to discuss cooperation opportunities in training, education, scientific research, and the development of high-quality human resources for the maritime and logistics sectors.

Caption: Representatives of Shandong Port Group and Vietnam Maritime University exchange views during the working session on the morning of June 4, 2026.

Discussion on training capacity and maritime human resource development

At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc – Vice President of Vietnam Maritime University, provided an overview of the university's development, training capacity, and scientific research.

According to the information shared, Vietnam Maritime University currently has nearly 23,000 students, with 55 undergraduate programs, 19 master's programs, and 9 doctoral programs. This serves as a vital foundation for the university to continue expanding cooperation programs with enterprises and international organizations in the fields of maritime, logistics, port operations, and marine economy.

The university is currently implementing a project to develop Vietnam Maritime University into a national key university for training and research to serve the sustainable development of the marine economy by 2030, with a vision to 2045. The project was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 1901/QD-TTg dated September 5, 2025.

In this direction, strengthening connections with international maritime enterprises and port groups is identified as a practical solution to improve training quality, expand practical environments, and help learners get closer to the actual operational needs of the industry.

Sharing experience in port operations and logistics

Representatives of Shandong Port Group introduced the group's operations and its member units, while sharing experiences in areas such as seaport operations, logistics organization, port operating equipment, and human resource training and development.

Shandong Port Group was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Qingdao, China. The group's system includes the Qingdao, Rizhao, Yantai, and Bohai Bay port groups, along with many specialized units. According to official information updated in May 2026, the group operates 19 main port areas, over 380 production berths, and more than 370 container shipping routes.

With its large scale and diverse ecosystem, the practical experience of Shandong Port Group can provide valuable references for training, research, and the development of practical programs linked to modern port operations.

Towards green ports, smart ports, and digital transformation

During the discussion, both sides agreed that trends such as green transition, digital transformation, automation, and smart port development are setting new requirements for the maritime industry's workforce.

Workers in the seaport and logistics sector not only need traditional professional knowledge but also the ability to use technology, analyze data, operate automated equipment, and adapt to increasingly high environmental standards.

On this basis, strengthening coordination between training institutions and enterprises will help update curricula to be closer to production reality, while creating more opportunities for students, lecturers, and researchers to access advanced port models.

Discussing practical cooperation programs

One of the notable contents discussed by both sides is the possibility of organizing field trips, experiential learning, and practical training at Qingdao Port for students, lecturers, and management staff of Vietnam Maritime University.

Such field survey programs can help learners directly observe port operation processes, management systems, loading and unloading equipment, and technological applications being implemented at a large-scale port system.

Representatives of Shandong Port Group also expressed interest in the possibility of supporting equipment for training and education in the field of seaport operation and management. Supplementing appropriate models, equipment, or practice tools will contribute to improving training quality in line with the practical requirements of enterprises.

In addition, the two sides discussed the possibility of coordinating to organize seminars, forums, and professional programs related to:

• Construction and operation of green ports;

• Smart port development;

• Sustainable logistics;

• Digital transformation in port operations;

• Application of new technologies and equipment;

• High-quality maritime human resource training.

These are all areas of interest to both Vietnam Maritime University and the units under Shandong Port Group in the context of the global maritime industry accelerating technological innovation and aiming for sustainable development goals.

Opening prospects for future cooperation

The working session on the morning of June 4, 2026, took place in an open and cooperative atmosphere, helping both sides better understand each other's capabilities, strengths, and development needs.

The results of the exchange serve as an initial basis for Vietnam Maritime University and Shandong Port Group to continue researching specific cooperation programs, especially in training, education, scientific research, expert exchange, field trips, and equipment support.

Through the connection between a specialized maritime training institution in Vietnam and a large-scale port group, both sides hope to contribute to improving the quality of human resources, promoting technological innovation, and supporting the sustainable development of the maritime and logistics sectors in the coming time.