Marine services in Son Duong Port - Vietnam

Located in Ha Tinh Province (18°07′N, 106°23′E), Son Duong Port has become one of Vietnam’s key deep-water industrial ports, serving as a critical gateway for cargo, energy, and heavy industries in the central region. The port’s modern infrastructure and deep draft enable it to handle bulk carriers, oil tankers, and large-scale industrial vessels, supporting the growth of marine services in Vietnam and related underwater services and marine supply activities.

As maritime activities continue to expand in the area, the demand for marine services in Vietnam — particularly at Son Duong Port — has grown significantly. To meet these operational needs, HMS – Haiphong Marine Services, a long-established ship repair company in Vietnam, offers a full range of technical, maintenance, and underwater services designed for vessel efficiency, safety, and compliance.

View Our Services here: http://haiphongmarine.com/we-provide-services-a3.html

About HMS – Haiphong Marine Services

HMS – Haiphong Marine Services Co., Ltd. was founded with the mission of supporting vessels across Vietnam through comprehensive technical solutions in ship repair, maintenance, and marine engineering. Over the years, HMS has built a strong foundation based on practical operations, certified engineers, and a nationwide service network.

Vision: To be among Vietnam’s most capable marine service providers, delivering consistent technical performance and expanding support across key industrial ports.

Mission: To ensure that vessels operating in Vietnamese waters receive timely, compliant, and effective support through skilled manpower, efficient management, and adherence to international maritime standards.

HMS focuses on delivering technically sound, safety-driven solutions rather than promotional claims. Its team includes class-certified engineers and welders qualified under standards approved by Lloyd’s Register and Class NK, ensuring that every project meets recognized international specifications.

About Son Duong Port – Location, Classification, and Technical Scale

Son Duong Port located in Ky Anh District, Ha Tinh Province, on Vietnam’s central coast. It is part of the Vung Ang – Son Duong deep-water port complex, developed to support the Formosa Ha Tinh Steel (FHS) Industrial Zone and related industries.

The port lies approximately 380 km south of Hanoi and connects directly to National Highway 1A and North–South railway lines, enabling smooth cargo transport across Vietnam.

1. Port Classification and Functions

Son Duong is classified as a Type I deep-water industrial port, designed to handle bulk carriers up to 300,000 DWT. Its facilities are specialized for:

• Bulk cargo (coal, limestone)
• Industrial and construction materials
• General cargo and heavy equipment
• Fuel and liquid products

2. Technical Specifications

• Depth: Up to -23 meters
• Berth length: Approx. 11 km across multiple terminals
• Anchorage area: Suitable for very large bulk carriers (VLBCs) and tankers
• Supporting infrastructure: Dedicated conveyor systems, fuel terminals, warehouses, and loading arms

The port operates as a multi-functional industrial hub, handling both domestic and international vessels. It plays a major role in supporting the Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Complex, Vung Ang II Thermal Power Plant, and other heavy industrial facilities in the region.

Why Marine Services at Son Duong Port Are Essential

1. Strategic Role and Location

Son Duong Port serves as a strategic maritime hub for Vietnam’s central coast. Positioned near international shipping routes, it connects Southeast Asia with East Asian markets, making it essential for the import of raw materials and export of finished goods.

2. High Vessel Density and Industrial Demand

With the rapid expansion of industrial manufacturing and energy sectors in Ha Tinh, vessel traffic at Son Duong has grown substantially. The port accommodates a wide range of ships — from bulk carriers and tankers to offshore supply vessels — requiring continuous technical assistance, inspection, and maintenance.

3. Operational Challenges and Service Needs

Frequent vessel calls, combined with heavy cargo operations, create constant demand for:

• Hull and propeller cleaning
• Cargo gear inspections
• Engine and auxiliary repairs
• Underwater maintenance and thickness measurements
• Safety and communication system service

These conditions make marine and underwater services at Son Duong Port a vital component of port operations. The growth in industrial throughput directly drives the demand for drydock services in Vietnam and port-based repair capabilities.

Why HMS Is the Preferred Marine Service Partner at Son Duong Port

HMS – Haiphong Marine Services has been active at Son Duong Port for many years, working closely with vessel owners, agents, and port authorities. Its consistent technical performance and operational coordination have positioned HMS as a dependable ship repair company in Vietnam, supporting vessels calling at this deep-water industrial port.

1. Working Principles
HMS operates with three core principles:

1. Technical precision – ensuring all works are class-compliant and fully documented.
2. Operational efficiency – minimizing vessel downtime through prompt on-site response.
3. Safety and compliance – following IMO and port-specific HSE standards.

2. Technical Competence

• Certified engineers and welders with WPS/WPQ qualifications (Lloyd’s Register, Class NK).
• Experience in steel renewal, pipe fabrication, mechanical overhauls, and underwater services.
• Use of modern inspection tools and maintenance systems to support real-time reporting and ensure consistent quality across all marine services in Vietnam.

3. Coordination and Relationships

• With port authorities – maintaining effective communication and compliance with local regulations at Son Duong Port.
• With classification societies (Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS, Class NK, VR) – ensuring survey readiness and class approval for every repair or modification.
• With major shipowners and international partners – ensuring smooth project execution, documentation control, and reliable technical cooperation across nationwide operations.

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Scope of HMS Marine Services at Son Duong Port

HMS offers a wide range of marine services in Vietnam, with on-site support available 24/7 at Son Duong Port. The main service categories include:

1. Mechanical and Hull Repair

HMS provides a full range of mechanical and hull repair services to restore vessel integrity and operational safety. Work scopes include hull steel renewal, deck structure repair, and maintenance of mechanical fittings in compliance with class and safety standards.

Typical works covered under this category:

• Hull steel plate repair and renewal, including partial renewal on deck and hull areas.
• Windlass, bollard, mooring chock, roller fairlead, and rubber fender repair or fabrication.
• Hatch cover repair and hydraulic maintenance.
• Accommodation ladder, gangway, and deck railing repair or renewal.
• Weather-tight door and marine window repair.
• Ventilation pipes, air pipe heads, and mushroom vent repair.
• Structural fabrication for damaged steel sections or minor outfitting.
• Propeller and rudder inspection, polishing, and repair.

All mechanical and steel works are carried out by class-certified welders and marine technicians, ensuring accuracy, documentation, and durability under marine services in Vietnam standards.

2. Machinery, Auxiliary and Electrical Systems

Beyond structural maintenance, HMS provides comprehensive marine services across machinery, auxiliary, and electrical systems — supporting vessel reliability and compliance throughout operations.

Scope of work includes:

• Main engine and turbocharger overhaul, including inspection, dismantling, and reassembly.
• Pump and valve maintenance – cleaning, re-seating, and performance testing.
• Governor calibration and bench testing to maintain stable speed control.
• Boiler and pressure system repair, including safety valve inspection.
• Rewinding and servicing of electric motors across various capacities.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance of automation and control systems.
• Inspection and servicing of power and control panels, ensuring proper operation under load.

Image for Rewinding Motor in Son Duong Port.

3. Hydraulic and Piping Systems

HMS delivers integrated marine hydraulic and piping services, ensuring reliable performance of deck machinery and essential onboard systems.

Scope of Services:

• Overhauling and servicing hydraulic cylinders for hatch covers, deck cranes, and mooring systems.
• Maintenance, reconditioning, and renewal of hydraulic pump units, motors, reducers, valve groups, and brake assemblies.
• Flushing, integrity testing, and alignment of hydraulic pipelines across deck and machinery areas.
• Fabrication, installation, and replacement of CO₂, fire water, air, ventilation, sounding, electrical, and scupper pipelines.
• Troubleshooting and system adjustment for hydraulic control units on deck.
• Supply of original or class-certified spare parts to support operational continuity.

These technical capabilities complement HMS’s expertise in Bridge Navigation and Communication Systems, enhancing vessel reliability and safety.

4. Bridge Navigation and Communication Systems

HMS provides comprehensive services for bridge navigation and communication systems, ensuring reliability and compliance with IMO and class requirements. The scope of work covers annual maintenance as per manufacturers’ instructions, periodic inspection and reporting, partial repair or renewal, and supply of genuine spare parts.

Supported equipment includes:

• Gyro Compass – calibration, error adjustment, and performance verification.
• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) – annual inspection, function testing, and renewal of radio certificates.
• RADAR / ARPA systems – troubleshooting, alignment checks, and software updates.
• Speed & Distance Log Device – sensor verification, data calibration, and part replacement.
• Echo Sounder – transducer inspection, functional testing, and display unit maintenance.
• ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) – system backup, update of ENC charts, and software renewal.

• VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) – annual performance test (APT), data verification, and spare part replacement.

All work is performed by qualified marine electronic engineers, following class-approved procedures to ensure full compliance during annual surveys or port state inspections.

5. Diving and Underwater Inspection Services

HMS offers certified diving and underwater inspection services to support vessel integrity and class compliance at ports and anchorages across Vietnam.

Scope of Services:

• UWI / UWILD (Underwater Inspection / Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) conducted in coordination with class surveyors.
• Underwater inspection for hull, propeller, rudder, sea chest, and thruster areas.
• In-water surveys (IWS) with classification societies such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register, and VR.
• Hull cleaning and propeller polishing to maintain vessel performance and fuel efficiency.
• Underwater welding and cutting for minor structural adjustments or temporary works.
• Anode installation and renewal for cathodic protection.
• Sea valve and overboard discharge inspection with photographic and video documentation.
• Salvage and recovery assistance when required by port authorities.

6. Special Marine Services

Beyond routine maintenance, HMS provides a wide range of specialized marine services in Vietnam, ensuring full operational support and compliance for vessels at ports and anchorages nationwide.

Drydocking Services

• Coordination and supervision for drydock services in Vietnam, including pre-docking inspection, documentation, and project scheduling.
• Hull cleaning, blasting, coating, and ultrasonic thickness measurement under class supervision.
• Technical support and progress monitoring during dock stay to ensure on-time redelivery.

Annual Servicing of LSA and Firefighting Systems (FFS)

• Annual inspection and certification of life-saving appliances (lifeboats, liferafts, davits, release gear).
• Functional testing and firefighting system inspection for extinguishers, CO₂, foam, and water mist systems.
• Compliance documentation for SOLAS, IMO, and class society renewals.

Marine Supply in Vietnam

• Supply of spare parts, technical stores, and consumables including valves, pumps, filters, gaskets, electrical fittings, navigation equipment, and hydraulic components.
• Provision of deck, engine, and cabin stores, lubricants, and bonded goods (beverages, tobacco, and duty-free items).
• Rapid logistics network ensuring timely marine supply in Vietnam with traceable delivery and customs coordination.

Lifeboat Davit Services

• Overhaul and load testing of lifeboat davits, winch systems, and release gear mechanisms.
• Renewal and maintenance of hydraulic units, wire ropes, and brake components.
• Annual servicing with documentation and class-recognized certification.

Fabrication Works (Steel, Pipe, Deck Outfitting)

• Fabrication and installation of steel structures, pipe systems, and deck outfitting items.
• Pre-fabrication testing, NDT inspection, and alignment works onboard.
• Support for hatch covers, handrails, gratings, ladders, and ventilation systems.

Painting and Name Marking for Vessels

• Surface treatment and coating applications to prevent corrosion and maintain hull integrity.
• Repainting of vessel name, draft marks, and IMO numbers per registry requirements.
• Maintenance of coatings during port calls or short layovers.

Load Test Services

• Load testing of deck cranes, derricks, lifeboat davits, and gangways using certified water bags or test weights.
• Preparation of load test reports with calibration records and class witness when required.
• Compliance with IMO, ILO, and class standards such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register, and VR.

Certifications and Quality Commitment

HMS’s operations are governed by recognized international classification societies, ensuring that all repair and maintenance work meet safety and quality requirements under port and class supervision.
The company holds:

• Lloyd’s Register certifications for Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) – up to AH36 grade.
• Class NK approvals for semi-automatic, manual, and TIG welding processes.
• DNV, ABS, VR (Vietnam Register), Bureau Veritas (BV), and RINA recognized procedures for inspection, repair, and testing.
• HSE compliance across all operational categories, following port-specific and client-approved safety plans.

Each project is supported by complete inspection and test records (ITR) to ensure traceability and transparency during class surveys. HMS maintains a quality-first approach, emphasizing technical accuracy, documentation integrity, and safety control over production volume or turnaround speed.

Service Coverage

While Son Duong Port remains one of HMS’s primary operational areas, the company’s service network extends across Vietnam’s key maritime zones, allowing consistent and responsive support nationwide.
HMS maintains established teams and logistics capability at:

• Hai Phong Port – the company’s main base for fabrication, mobilization, and class-certified ship repair.
• Quang Ninh region (Cai Lan, Hon Gai, Cam Pha) – offering rapid-response underwater and hull maintenance.
• Nghi Son Port – supporting industrial terminals and coastal cargo fleets.
• Vung Ang – Son Duong Port – providing integrated repair and marine support for bulk carriers and offshore vessels.
• Da Nang Port, Saigon, and southern terminals – ensuring full national coverage for inspection, mechanical, and drydock coordination services.

This wide network allows HMS to deploy teams swiftly, maintaining operational continuity for vessels along Vietnam’s coastline.

Project Highlights at Son Duong Port

HMS – Haiphong Marine Services has successfully delivered several marine engineering and maintenance projects at Son Duong Port, supporting vessels with technical efficiency and class-standard workmanship.

1. Alternator Rewinding for M/V ANDREAS K (21–26 September 2024)

HMS performed a complete alternator rewinding for M/V ANDREAS K within six days. The scope covered disassembly, coil rewinding, insulation treatment, reassembly, and onboard load testing. The system was restored to optimal condition under class supervision, ensuring safe and stable operation.

2. Main Engine Cylinder Liner and Piston Replacement for M/V GREENVILLE (IMO 9149823)

Our service team carried out replacement of No.2 main engine cylinder liner and piston for M/V GREENVILLE during port stay at Son Duong. The work included dismantling, inspection, honing, installation, and alignment verification before engine testing. The task was completed safely and efficiently, minimizing vessel downtime.

These case studies demonstrate HMS’s expertise in vessel maintenance, repair, and technical solutions across major ports in Vietnam.
For more examples of our recent works and nationwide projects, please visit our recently projects here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of marine services does HMS provide at Son Duong Port?
HMS offers a full range of ship repair, drydocking, underwater inspection, and maintenance solutions for all vessel types.

2. Are HMS engineers class-certified?
Yes. All engineers and welders are certified by Lloyd’s Register, DNV, NK, and VR for class-approved works.

3. Does HMS provide 24/7 technical support?
Absolutely. Our response team operates round the clock for nationwide vessel support.

4. Can HMS supply marine spare parts and provisions?
Yes. HMS provides genuine spare parts, bonded goods, and ship stores across Vietnam’s major ports.

5. How can I contact HMS for a quotation or emergency assistance?
You can reach HMS directly via phone, email, or the contact form below for immediate coordination.