Aviation and Shipping

Vietnam’s position as a key logistics and transportation hub continues to rise, and with it, the demand from major international aviation, shipping & logistics companies looking to invest in these fast-emerging sectors. These are highly-regulated sectors requiring a deep understanding of Vietnam laws and regulations in order to ensure consistent compliance and maximise all investment opportunities. Our Aviation, Shipping and logistics team have a wealth of experience in this sector. Our experience covers a broad range of advice to airlines, shipping, and transportation and logistics companies including company establishment, joint ventures and strategic partnerships with local operators, and regulatory compliance, including disputes and investigations. 

A sampling of our highlight matters in this area includes:

• Acted for a global leader in container shipping in relation to its gateway and transshipment terminal project in Vietnam, in a joint venture with the largest State-owned port company in Vietnam.
• Assisted an international shipping and maritime services company in relation to potential options for its establishment of a commercial presence in Vietnam to provide services relating to ship management, recruiting potential seafarers to serve on-board commercial vessels, training potential seafarers to serve on-board commercial vessels, and making arrangements for the seafarers to enter into contracts with the owners of vessels themselves.
• Acted for a flag carrier as it launched its direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the airline’s first foray into the Vietnamese marketplace. We provided legal advice in relation to general operations, advertising, real estate, employment, and other matters. We also provided legal advice in relation to the airline’s inflight catering arrangements in Vietnam.
• Advised a leading aviation consultancy in the Asia Pacific region and an aviation company specialising in Passenger – Cargo Transport, Aircraft Repair & Maintenance, Aviation Fuel supply, and pilot training in Vietnam, in various compliance and regulatory matters in relation to its operations in Vietnam. 
• Advising a global oil and gas company, on the regulations and procedures required for the import of aviation fuel into Vietnam. 
• Advising a world-leading logistics company in relation to its requirements to register with the Civil Aviation Association of Vietnam (CAAV) and how it may affect our client’s operations in Vietnam with respect to its procurement of cargo space directly from carriers.
• Advised an international logistics company in relation to the divestment of its Vietnam subsidiary, a component of its divestment from the business on a global scale.