US ambassador visits Vietnam Maritime University for academic cooperation

Ambassador Wicks and her delegation visited Vietnam Maritime University in Hai Phong on Tuesday evening to discuss cooperation in maritime education, scientific research, and workforce development.

At the meeting, Pham Xuan Duong, rector of Vietnam Maritime University, briefed the delegation on the university’s 70-year history and its achievements in education, training, scientific research, and international cooperation.

The university currently has nearly 27,000 students and trainees, providing personnel for the maritime industry and related sectors, Duong said.

International cooperation is a key driver of the university’s efforts to improve the quality of education and research and strengthen its international integration, he added.

Cooperation with U.S. partners includes a long-standing program with Cal Poly Maritime Academy. 

Since 2010, the two institutions have offered training programs in maritime economics, international business and logistics, alongside student and faculty exchanges and cultural activities.

As of 2026, these advanced training programs have attracted approximately 3,500 student participants across 15 cohorts.

From 2013 to 2022, the American Bureau of Shipping also awarded scholarships to 39 students at the university.

Ambassador Wicks expressed her impression of the university’s training scale, professional capabilities, and cooperation with U.S. educational institutions and organizations. 

She also voiced confidence in the prospects for expanding educational and training cooperation in the coming years.

Vietnam Maritime University expressed its desire for continued support and facilitation from the U.S. Embassy in strengthening ties with U.S. universities, research institutes and organizations, particularly members of the International Association of Maritime Universities.

The university proposed several areas for cooperation, including exchanges of faculty members, staff and students, as well as expanded scientific research in maritime automation, marine engine research and design, naval architecture and shipbuilding technology, and maritime economics.

During the visit, the delegation viewed the ship bridge and engine room simulators at Lecture Hall C1 and learned about equipment used for maritime education and practical training.

The university hopes these exchanges will help expand cooperation with U.S. partners in education and scientific research, improve workforce quality, and meet the demands of sustainable marine economic development.