DECENTRALIZATION OF MARITIME ADMINISTRATION: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS FOR VIETNAM

Abstract

In the national sustainable development strategy, the marine economy consistently serves as a key growth driver, requiring continuous flexibility and innovation in macro-management. Recognizing the vital importance of administrative reform and optimizing the governance apparatus, decentralization and delegation in maritime state management are essential to enhance governance efficiency, strengthen local autonomy, and support Vietnam’s maritime economic development in the era of global integration. To provide a robust scientific foundation for this strategic transformation, this study clarifies the theoretical foundations of decentralization in maritime governance and examines international experiences from Singapore, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea. By systematically evaluating these successful global models, researchers can extract multifaceted perspectives and objectively align them with specific domestic conditions. Building on these analyses, the paper contributes new insights by proposing financial mechanisms and a phased roadmap for decentralization from 2025 to 2045, emphasizing the role of digital transformation in port management and logistics, and offering policy recommendations to balance central oversight with local initiative. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach serves as a strategic blueprint for policymakers and regulatory bodies. These findings provide practical guidance for institutional reform, ensuring sustainable development and improved competitiveness of Vietnam’s maritime sector, thereby enabling the country to establish a transparent legal corridor and firmly assert its strategic position on the global maritime map.