Fines set for infringing Vietnam’s waters for oil, gas exploration

Acts of trespassing into Vietnam’s territorial waters, contiguous zone, economic exclusive zone, and continental shelf to explore and tap oil and gas will be fined from VND900 million to VND1 billion (US$48,000) under a new government decree.

Besides pecuniary fines, violators will have any equipment used during their violation confiscated, and foreign violators will be deported from Vietnam, according to Decree 97/2013, which will take effect on October 10.

Issued on August 27 by the Government, the decree sets out fines and additional penalties for offences regarding oil and gas exploration and mining; safety, security and the environment in oil and gas fields; and conditions related to petroleum trading; among other regulations.

The decree also specifies the rights of chairpersons of all-level People’s Committees and agencies involved in market management, public security, customs, border guards, marine police and inspection to hand out punishments for violations of the Decree.