Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s marine economy moves toward sustainable prosperity

Located at the southern gateway to Vietnam’s maritime economic zone, Ba Ria – Vung Tau has long been considered a coastal “jewel,” boasting more than 300 kilometers of coastline, abundant natural resources, and a strategic geographic position.

A Strategic Coastal Hub

With its natural deep-water ports and close proximity to key global shipping lanes, Ba Ria – Vung Tau is well-positioned to diversify its marine industries. Its economic development plan for 2021–2030 (vision to 2050), approved by the provincial People’s Council in 2023, identifies four key pillars: oil and gas, seaports and logistics, high-end coastal tourism, and aquaculture and seafood processing.

Among these, the oil and gas sector has historically dominated, with the province hosting some of Vietnam’s largest oil fields such as Bach Ho, Rong, and Đai Hung. Known as the “oil capital” of Vietnam, Ba Ria – Vung Tau benefits from a robust supporting ecosystem that includes refineries, technical service firms, and logistics bases. However, in response to global energy shifts and oil price volatility, the province is now prioritizing downstream sectors such as petrochemicals and technical services, aiming for greater value addition and resilience.

The development of the Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-water port complex has been a game changer. As one of only 19 such ports worldwide capable of receiving ultra-large container vessels up to 250,000 DWT (equivalent to 24,000 TEU), it has positioned the province as a regional transshipment hub. This has significantly shortened export transit times to markets in North America and Europe.

Complementary infrastructure projects—including the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway and Phuoc An Bridge—are under construction to strengthen multimodal connections to industrial centers in the south. These enhancements have catalyzed the rise of a vibrant logistics sector in the province, including warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and value-added services.

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu’s natural coastline features some of Vietnam’s most iconic beaches, such as Bai Truoc and Bai Sau in Vung Tau, as well as the scenic coastal areas of Long Hai, Ho Tram, and Ho Coc. Particularly notable is the Con Đao archipelago, recognized both for its ecological significance and its historical importance.

Tourism is being reoriented toward sustainable, high-value models, with a focus on luxury resorts, eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, and marine sports. Major developers are investing in integrated resorts, while provincial authorities emphasize environmental protection, especially on Con Đao, where efforts are being made to limit human impact while preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.

In the seafood sector, Ba Ria – Vung Tau is shifting from traditional fisheries to high-tech aquaculture. By applying scientific methods and advanced processing, local producers are aiming to boost output and product quality for global markets. Enhanced food safety controls, traceability systems, and compliance with international standards are helping the province's seafood gain competitiveness on the world stage.

In 2025, provincial authorities introduced 24 strategic investment projects focused on industrial development, port and logistics infrastructure, and tourism. These include the 1,200-hectare Bắc Châu Đức Industrial Park, the nearly 43-hectare Long Son LNG power plant, a 54-hectare international passenger port in Vũng Tàu, and the 3,764-hectare Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone, alongside several logistics hubs in Phú Mỹ.

These initiatives are not only designed to reinforce the province’s existing strengths, but also to establish new growth drivers and attract foreign direct investment.

Marine Economy Diversification and Green Growth

According to Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau plays a strategic role in Vietnam’s southeastern region thanks to its comprehensive advantages in oil, ports, logistics, and tourism. The province is also actively exploring newer marine industries such as offshore wind energy, marine biotechnology, oceanographic research, and high-tech shipbuilding and repair.

Environmental sustainability is central to the province’s long-term strategy. Projects must now meet strict environmental standards, including clean technology adoption and waste treatment protocols. Biodiversity conservation programs are also underway to protect coral reefs and mangrove forests, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

To support these ambitions, the province continues to invest in digital infrastructure, logistics automation, and human resource development—particularly in maritime fields such as port operations, oil services, tourism, and marine technology. Regional collaboration is another cornerstone, as Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu seeks to integrate into broader coastal value chains by working closely with neighboring provinces.

From 2021 to 2024, Ba Ria – Vung Tau attracted over VND 240 trillion (USD 10 billion) in total investment, with domestic and foreign enterprises contributing more than 76%. As of 2024, the province ranked 6th nationwide in gross regional domestic product (GRDP), 4th in state budget revenue, and 5th in foreign direct investment (FDI).

Currently, the province hosts over 1,200 investment projects with total capital of nearly USD 54 billion, including 503 FDI projects from 30 countries and territories. In just the first five months of 2025, the province approved 73 new projects, with FDI accounting for over USD 4 billion.

Despite its advantages, Ba Ria – Vung Tau faces complex challenges. Climate change, marine pollution, resource depletion, and increasing regional competition require comprehensive solutions. Nonetheless, with strong national support, clear development policies, and a dynamic leadership approach, the province is well-equipped to adapt and lead in Vietnam’s marine economy.

As it aims to unlock the full potential of its “golden resource,” Ba Ria – Vung Tau stands as a compelling model for sustainable coastal development—one that balances economic ambition with ecological responsibility in the decades ahead.