Welcoming Ceremony for the Research Vessel “Academician M.A. Lavrentyev” and the Second Joint Geological–Geophysical and Oceanographic Survey between Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences
The research vessel “Academician M.A. Lavrentyev” docked at Cam Ranh International Port, Bac Cam Ranh Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
This activity marks the commencement of the second joint marine survey between the two Academies, scheduled from October 23 to November 20, 2025, in Vietnamese waters. The survey is conducted using the vessel “Academician M.A. Lavrentyev” - one of the most modern Russian research vessels specializing in geology, geophysics, and oceanography – with the participation of 30 Russian and Vietnamese scientists. During the survey, the research team will carry out geophysical field measurements, collect geological and geochemical gas samples, and measure marine environmental parameters along the Vietnamese coastline, following the pre-agreed stations and research sites.
The main objectives of this survey are to update and supplement data on geology, geophysics, gas geochemistry, and oceanography to support studies on seabed geological structures, gas geochemical cycles, sediment formation processes, ocean water layer structures, and seabed mineral resource potential assessment. The research groups will focus on studying seabed geological structures through collected geophysical data; sediment formation through core samples; gas–element geochemical cycles through gas and sediment samples; and ocean water layer structures through parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll. The results of the survey will be presented at a scientific workshop scheduled for November 21, 2025, at the Institute of Earth Sciences under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
This second joint survey continues the series of cooperative activities initiated in 2019, contributing to the advancement of marine science while further strengthening the long-standing, effective, and trustworthy partnership between the two leading Academies of Science. The year 2025 also marks an important milestone as Vietnam and the Russian Federation celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1950–2025). Within this meaningful context, the second joint survey stands as a vivid testament to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in science and technology, particularly in marine research, seabed resource exploration, and marine environmental protection.
Vice President Tran Tuan Anh commended the enduring, close, and effective cooperation between VAST and FEBRAS in recent years
Speaking at the ceremony, on behalf of VAST, Vice President Tran Tuan Anh highly appreciated the persistent, close, and effective cooperation between VAST and FEBRAS over the years, particularly in the successful implementation of the Roadmap for Joint Marine Scientific Research for the 2018–2025 period, with a total of five joint surveys conducted to date. The Vice President expressed confidence that this geological and geophysical marine survey conducted aboard the vessel Academician Lavrentyev would build upon the success of the 2019 expedition, further enriching the scientific data on geology, geophysics, resources, and the environment of the East Sea, while strengthening research capacity and fostering the training of young scientific talent for both sides.
Vice President Tran Tuan Anh also shared that VAST and FEBRAS have agreed to continue implementing joint marine research activities and are expected to sign a new Cooperation Roadmap for the 2026–2035 period in December this year.
Some photos from the welcoming ceremony:
Presentation of souvenirs to representatives of the research vessel’s crew
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
