The Polish Register of Shipping (PRS) is preparing to open a representative office in Vietnam, with Ho Chi Minh City under consideration as the location. The move would give the Polish classification society a permanent presence in one of South-East Asia’s key maritime markets. No opening date has been announced.

The plans were discussed during a visit by PRS representatives to the VIMOX 2026 trade fair in Ho Chi Minh City. Karol Pokora, a business development specialist at the society’s Shanghai office, met local maritime industry representatives to discuss potential cooperation with shipowners, shipping companies, shipyards and other businesses.

PRS sees opportunities in Vietnam for its classification, technical supervision and certification services. An office in the country would bring the society closer to potential clients and allow it to respond more quickly to local demand.

PRS has been building ties with Vietnam since 2024

PRS has been exploring the Vietnamese market for several years. In 2024, its president, Grzegorz Pettke, took part in a Business Mixer economic mission to the country and met representatives of the Vietnam Register. Talks focused on cooperation in shipbuilding supervision and product certification. The Polish embassy also offered support in establishing contacts with local companies.

PRS subsequently held discussions with the Vietnamese maritime administration, including on the possibility of placing a local surveyor in the country and cooperation in connection with planned changes to Vietnamese maritime regulations.

Shanghai remains key to PRS operations in Asia

Vietnam would join a network of PRS offices and representatives across Asia. The society’s Shanghai office, established in 2004, is a key part of its regional operations. Cooperation with China, however, dates back to the 1950s and the establishment of the Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Company, Chipolbrok.

PRS has supervised the construction of ships for the Polish Steamship Company at Chinese shipyards. Between 2005 and 2013, it oversaw the construction of 42 bulk carriers for the Polish operator, with a combined deadweight of around 1.7 million tonnes. It later worked on projects for Chipolbrok, including two general cargo ships with a deadweight of 62,000 tonnes each, delivered in 2022.

The society is also developing contacts elsewhere in the region. Its representatives attended the Asia Pacific Maritime exhibition in Singapore in 2026, meeting companies from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India and the Philippines. PRS is also working with partners in Indonesia. In June, its representatives attended celebrations in Shanghai marking Chipolbrok’s 75th anniversary.

PRS’s current list of overseas offices and representatives includes locations in India and Indonesia, as well as other major shipping and port centres.

A presence in Vietnam would give PRS closer access to a region that accounts for a significant share of global shipbuilding, marine equipment manufacturing and shipowning activity. It could also help the society secure work with local shipyards and maritime companies.

Photo: PRS