Completion of the Scientific Survey in Vietnamese Waters by the Research Vessel “Academician M.A. Lavrientiev”
The survey aimed to collect integrated geological, geophysical, and oceanographic data on Vietnam’s continental shelf and surrounding waters, serving research on marine geology and resource potential assessment. In the field, the research team conducted sampling of sediments, deep-sea mineral deposits, seawater, and gas. Alongside the sampling program, magnetic and gravity survey lines as well as oceanographic measurements were also carried out.
In addition to its scientific objectives, the survey made an important contribution to strengthening Vietnam’s capacity for marine resource and environmental assessment. It also provided an opportunity for both sides to consolidate and expand marine science cooperation through the exchange of experts, technologies, datasets, and advanced research methodologies, thereby moving toward the establishment of a long-term and sustainable deep-sea research network between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. The survey further carries strategic significance in affirming Vietnam’s scientific presence in the East Sea, demonstrating the country’s commitment to enhancing its marine research capabilities, expanding international collaboration, and proactively engaging in major regional scientific programs. This represents an important step toward elevating Vietnam’s standing in oceanography, marine geology, and Earth sciences in the context of international integration.
To present the preliminary results of the second Vietnam–Russia joint survey, on 21 November 2025 in Hanoi, the Institute of Earth Sciences (IES VAST) and the V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute (POI FEB RAS) co-organized the “Workshop on Preliminary Results of the Second Vietnam–Russia Joint Scientific Survey in Vietnamese Waters by the Research Vessel Academician M.A. Lavrientiev.” Detailed research outcomes will also be published in international scientific journals during 2026–2028.
The workshop was attended by representatives of the leadership of IES VAST; the VAST Department of International Cooperation; the leadership of the Russian Academy of Sciences (online); representatives of ministries, agencies, relevant units; and all Vietnamese and Russian scientists participating in the survey mission.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, President of the Institute of Earth Sciences, delivered the opening remarks
This survey is regarded as an important milestone, marking a new stage of deep-sea research cooperation between the two Academies. It contributes to strengthening the understanding of the geology, geophysics, and resource potential of Vietnam’s continental shelf, while expanding opportunities for collaboration in marine science and climate change research. The scientific activities focused on investigating the geological, geophysical, and oceanographic characteristics of Vietnam’s continental shelf; collecting sediment, seawater, and gas samples; assessing mineral and natural gas potential; and studying the impacts of tectonic processes and climate change on Vietnam’s marine and island systems.
Images of the second Vietnam–Russia joint scientific survey in Vietnamese waters conducted by the research vessel Academician M.A. Lavrientiev
More than 30 scientists and technicians from Vietnam and the Russian Federation participated in the survey. The Vietnamese team included units under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), such as the Institute of Earth Sciences, the Institute of Energy and Environmental Science and Technology, and the Institute of Oceanography. The Russian team consisted of experts from the Pacific Oceanological Institute (POI FEB RAS) and several institutes and research centers of Russian Academy of Sciences – Far Eastern Branch. Over more than a month of continuous work at sea, the survey team completed dozens of geophysical and oceanographic measurement transects with a total length of several thousand kilometers, and collected hundreds of sediment, seawater, and gas-geochemical samples. Initial findings recorded numerous gas-geochemical anomalies, indications of methane- and light-hydrocarbon-bearing sediments, along with highly valuable geophysical and oceanographic datasets. These results will contribute to enriching the geological and resource database of Vietnam’s continental shelf, while enhancing deep-sea research capabilities and international cooperation between the two Academies. The collected samples and datasets will be analyzed at the specialized laboratories of the Institute of Earth Sciences (IES VAST) and POI FEB RAS.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, President of the Institute of Earth Sciences (IES VAST), stated that the event aimed to present the preliminary results of the Second Vietnam–Russia Joint Scientific Survey on the Vietnamese continental shelf. He emphasized that this scientific activity holds exceptional significance, marking a new milestone in the offshore survey cooperation between IES VAST and POI FEB RAS. Despite highly challenging weather conditions, the survey mission successfully accomplished a substantial workload thanks to the professionalism and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by the ship crew and the team of scientists. Notably, the survey collected a dense set of deep-sea sediment samples from Vietnam’s continental shelf - an invaluable addition to the previously limited in-situ dataset of this region. These samples bear significant scientific value, helping to enhance understanding of the natural characteristics of the continental shelf and supporting the development of long-term research orientations related to marine and ocean sciences.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh affirmed that, in the next phase, IES VAST will remain committed to its strategic priorities, in which international cooperation continues to be a key pillar. Maintaining joint surveys, sharing data, exchanging experts, and developing bilateral and multilateral research programs will continue to serve as major driving forces in the Institute’s integration and development strategy. IES VAST highly values its long-standing partnership with FEB RAS and looks forward to further expanding collaborative programs that are substantial in scale, profound in content, and long-term in vision.
Leaders of FEB RAS (online) deliver remarks at the workshop
Speaking online at the workshop, Academician Yury Kulchin, President of FEB RAS, extended his congratulations to the scientific teams for successfully completing the survey mission and achieving highly encouraging results. He also conveyed his congratulations to VAST on the occasion of its 50th anniversary - a meaningful milestone marked by outstanding scientific achievements and the Academy’s significant contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. He noted that this year is a particularly special one, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Remarkably, scientists from both countries successfully carried out two joint marine surveys this year. The first survey was conducted aboard the research vessel Academician Oparin, jointly organized by the Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry under the Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Oceanography under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The second survey was organized by the Pacific Oceanological Institute under the Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Institute of Earth Sciences of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
On behalf of the VAST leadership, Dr. Le Quynh Lien, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, delivered remarks at the workshop
Speaking on behalf of the VAST leadership, Dr. Le Quynh Lien, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, emphasized that the results achieved are highly encouraging, demonstrating the pioneering role of the Institute of Earth Sciences (IES VAST) in promoting interdisciplinary research on the seas and continental shelf - particularly scientific approaches to deep-sea regions, which are strategic spaces for Vietnam’s long-term marine research and blue-economy development. She further affirmed that international cooperation - especially scientific cooperation with the Russian Federation - has always been one of VAST’s top priorities.
Dr. Le Quynh Line also commended the efforts of IES VAST and POI FEB RAS in maintaining and advancing the joint survey program, as well as the strong support from government agencies and experts of both countries.
At the workshop, representatives of IES VAST and POI FEB RAS reaffirmed that the successful survey not only provides valuable geological and geophysical data on Vietnam’s marine areas but also stands as a symbol of the long-standing and enduring friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation in marine science. The mission contributes to advancing scientific knowledge and protecting the marine environment in the Southeast Asia–Pacific region.
Some additional photos from the workshop:
Presentations by scientists
Group photo
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
