The offshore energy business in Vietnam has expanded significantly during the last decade, driven by rising demand for oil, gas, and renewable energy. However, as offshore assets age, maintenance activities have become more difficult and important than ever. Ensuring dependability, safety, and cost efficiency necessitates a thorough understanding of the technical and environmental circumstances specific to Vietnam’s offshore environment.

The top five offshore maintenance difficulties in Vietnam are listed below, along with practical tips for enterprises to solve them efficiently.

I. Harsh Environmental Conditions Affecting Equipment Lifespan

Vietnam’s offshore fields, particularly those in the South China Sea, are subject to harsh weather conditions such as high humidity, corrosive saltwater, strong winds, and seasonal storms. These circumstances hasten equipment degradation, resulting in corrosion, structural fatigue, and decreased performance in key systems like pipelines, platforms, electrical systems, and rotating gear.

Why it’s a challenge:

• Increased corrosion rate reduces equipment lifespan
• Maintenance frequency must be higher compared to calmer regions
• Unpredictable weather can delay scheduled inspections

How companies can overcome it:

• Use advanced anti-corrosion coatings and cathodic protection
• Implement predictive maintenance with IoT sensors
• Conduct seasonal planning to avoid peak storm periods

By emphasizing proactive maintenance over reactive maintenance, offshore operators can avoid unplanned downtime and extend the life of essential assets.

II. Limited Access to High-Skill Offshore Technicians

Offshore maintenance necessitates highly skilled staff, including mechanical technicians, rope access teams, NDT inspectors, ROV operators, and electrical/instrumentation experts. In Vietnam, demand for these professions frequently exceeds supply, particularly during peak maintenance shutdowns.

Key issues:

• Competition across offshore operators
• Training and certification require international standards (IRATA, OPITO, API, AWS)
• Some skill sets are still limited in the local market

Solutions:

• Invest in long-term workforce training with certified programs
• Partner with manpower service providers specializing in offshore operations
• Use hybrid teams combining local technicians with international specialists

A strong talent pipeline is essential to ensure consistent service quality and reduce project delays.

3. Logistical Complexity and Remote Site Coordination

Offshore platforms in Vietnam are often located far from shore, requiring complex logistics involving crew boats, supply vessels, helicopters, and scheduled transport plans. Even minor delays in equipment delivery can disrupt entire maintenance operations.

Challenges include:

• Weather-dependent transportation
• Limited storage and workspace on offshore facilities
• High cost of transporting replacements or spare parts

How to manage it:

• Adopt detailed pre-mobilization planning
• Use containerized workshops to support offshore repairs
• Maintain a buffer stock of essential spare parts

Efficient logistics planning ensures maintenance tasks stay on schedule and within budget.

4. Ensuring Compliance With Safety and Regulatory Standards

Offshore safety standards in Vietnam follow a combination of local regulations and international frameworks. Maintaining compliance during maintenance activities requires strict control over procedures, documentation, and workforce training.

Pain points:

• Frequent regulatory updates
• Audits and inspections require extensive preparation
• Safety violations can lead to project shutdowns and financial loss

Best practices:

• Maintain a strong HSE culture with continuous training
• Implement digital safety management systems for documentation and reporting
• Conduct internal audits to identify gaps before external inspections

A safety-first approach not only protects personnel but also ensures long-term operational continuity.

5. Managing Costs While Maintaining High Operational Efficiency

Offshore maintenance is inherently expensive due to equipment, personnel, transportation, and risk factors. In Vietnam, operators face additional pressure to maintain cost efficiency in a competitive market.

Cost drivers:

• Aging offshore infrastructure requiring more frequent repairs
• Rising wages for specialized offshore labor
• Material and equipment import costs

Strategic solutions:

• Implement condition-based maintenance (CBM) to reduce unnecessary work
• Outsource to specialized offshore maintenance companies for cost optimization
• Use digital monitoring systems to reduce manual inspection requirements

Balancing cost efficiency with safety and reliability is key to sustaining offshore operations.

Conclusion

Offshore maintenance in Vietnam presents a unique set of challenges shaped by environmental conditions, workforce limitations, logistics, regulatory requirements, and rising operational costs. However, with strategic planning, investment in technology, and strong partnerships with specialized service providers, offshore operators can achieve safer, more efficient, and more reliable operations.

Vietnam’s offshore sector is evolving—companies that embrace innovation and integrated maintenance strategies will be best positioned for long-term success.