Legal Update: Notification on the Cross-Border Vessel Permits

On 7 October 2025, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (“MPWT”) issued a Notification No. 65 concerning the requirement for all shipping companies, shipowners, and cross-border vessel operators transporting goods or passengers between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to obtain a Cross-Border Vessel Permit (“Notification”).

Under this Notification, vessels transporting goods or passengers across the Cambodia-Vietnam border must apply for the permit from the General Department of Waterway, Maritime Transport, and Ports (“GDWMTP”). The notification aims to align Cambodian shipping operations with Vietnam’s strengthened enforcement of cross-border transport regulations.

The Key Highlights of this Notification are:

• All commercial vessels engaged in Cambodia–Vietnam cross-border transport must apply for a Cross-Border Vessel Permit from the GDWMTP of the MPWT.
• Applications are to be filed with the Department of Waterway Transport, located on the 4th Floor, building “A”, MPWT Headquarters, accompanied by supporting documents such as:
  • Shipowner’s identification document (valid and duly certified);
  • Vessel registration and technical inspection certificate;
  • Waterway transport business license;
  • Insurance policy or certificate of insurance;
  • Letter of Condemnation; and
  • Company registration certificate and articles of incorporation
• The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

This regulatory measure reinforces Cambodia’s continued commitment to ensuring the lawful, safe, and efficient operation of international waterway transport and fostering cooperation with neighboring Vietnam.