A strong provision of technical logistics services for fishermen in Truong Sa archipelago

In recent years, the Vietnamese Navy has actively advised the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defence on the development of a maritime economy. The Navy has prioritised the exploitation and processing of aquatic products, accelerating the development of technical logistics services to support fishermen venturing out to sea.

Officers from the Truong Sa Technical Logistics Service Centre informs fishermen about Government Directive 45 and the operations of boat shelters and fishing villages in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago. (Photo: Duc Thuan)
Officers from the Truong Sa Technical Logistics Service Centre informs fishermen about Government Directive 45 and the operations of boat shelters and fishing villages in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago. (Photo: Duc Thuan)

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Binh, Deputy Commander of the Sinh Ton Island Technical Logistics Service Centre under Naval Region 129, stated that the establishment and operation of these centres across the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago meet fishermen’s essential needs: shelter from storms, fuel, fresh water, vegetables, and other necessities.

Currently, the most pressing requirement is block ice and ice chips. With only one ice production facility on Da Tay Island, fishermen hope for additional sites, especially on Sinh Ton. Setting up ice plants on more islands would be highly convenient, saving long-distance travel and significant costs.

Fishermen operating near Sinh Ton Island have come to regard the Sinh Ton anchorage as a safe harbour. During storms, central provinces contact the centre to organise assistance for affected vessels operating in the area. The island’s military medical clinic is equipped with ultrasound and X‑ray facilities to treat both fishermen and residents. In 2024 and the first half of 2025, Sinh Ton Island guided 184 fishing vessels and 2,045 fishermen to safe storm shelters, repaired 20 damaged boats, supported 213 fishing vessels with 246 national flags, supplied 485,000 litres of fresh water and 1,385 kg of vegetables to 114 vessels.

Major Do Van Tuyen, Commander of the Sinh Ton Technical Logistics Centre, guided reporters on a tour of the facility, revealing vegetable gardens, freshwater tanks, and a repair workshop that has aided many fishing boats damaged in various ways. Previously, fishermen whose boats suffered technical failures or ran low on fuel had no option but to return to port. Now, they can dock immediately at Sinh Ton anchorage for shelter, minor repairs, purchase fuel at land prices, receive fresh water for free, and sell fish to military personnel.

The repair workshop, staffed by skilled personnel—including two welders, two divers, six mechanics, and veteran naval captains—is a dependable support resource. Spare parts are planned, requisitioned from the mainland, and regularly transported by vessel.

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Fishing vessel PY 99993TS departs the Truong Sa boat shelter for the mainland after being successfully repaired by the Truong Sa Technical Logistics Service Centre.

“Fishermen genuinely want an additional block ice facility here. We hope our superiors will invest further in infrastructure to better serve the people and facilitate marine economic development. We also hope the media will further publicise the work of these Technical Logistics Service Centres across the Spratly Islands so more fishermen can benefit, maintain a constant presence, and contribute to protecting the sovereignty of our nation’s seas and islands,” Major Tuyen shared.

Fishermen genuinely want an additional block ice facility here. We hope our superiors will invest further in infrastructure to better serve the people and facilitate marine economic development. We also hope the media will further publicise the work of these Technical Logistics Service Centres across the Spratly Islands so more fishermen can benefit, maintain a constant presence, and contribute to protecting the sovereignty of our nation’s seas and islands.

Major Do Van Tuyen, Commander of the Sinh Ton Technical Logistics Centre

At the Da Tay Island Technical Logistics Service Centre, Vu Duc Thang, supervisor of the repair workshop, said the ice plant there can produce 832 blocks per cycle and has storage capacity; however, demand is strong, particularly for preserving seafood. Fishermen must thus call ahead to place orders.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Logistics Service Centre under the Bien Dong Seafood Exploitation Service Company Limited on Da Tay Island, reported that the exploitative business in 2024 achieved 156–157 % of its target set by the former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Beyond essential services, the company works with the island forces to educate fishermen on avoiding illegal, undeclared, and unregulated (IUU) fishing (in line with the EU Yellow Card warning), refraining from explosive use, and distributing leaflets on safe, lawful fishing operations and the appropriate use of fishing gear.

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A corner of the vegetable garden at the Technical Logistics Service Centre on Sinh Ton Island not only supplies fresh produce for stationed soldiers but also for fishermen seeking shelter or repair assistance. (Photo: SH)

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Cong Hoa, Commander of the Truong Sa Island Technical Logistics Service Centre under Naval Region 129, recounted two moving incidents involving his team. Near the 2022 Lunar New Year (Tet), the fishing vessel Khanh Hoa KH99168TS requested rescue after an engine failure. Following guidance, the fishermen docked at Truong Sa anchorage, only 15 nautical miles away. After two intense days of repairs—with the team anxiously hoping for success—the vessel was fixed and able to sail again. Fifteen days later, just before Tet, Captain Nguyen Van Minh called to say he had caught a plentiful haul and immediately called to thank them. “We were overjoyed and moved,” Hoa recalled.

Another unforgettable case involved the fishing boat Phu Yen PY99993TS, which encountered a mechanical breakdown eight nautical miles from the island, with seawater flooding its engine room. Naval Region 129 dispatched a rescue vessel to tow it to the centre. “We worked tirelessly for a week, disassembling and cleaning the engine using every experience and skill we had. When we finally heard the engine roar back to life, Captain Le Van Tin was overwhelmed with emotion: ‘I didn’t think you could do it. Thank you so much!’” The vessel returned three days later to port and promptly called to confirm its safe arrival and once again express gratitude.

Leaflets detailing the services available at Truong Sa anchorage also include reassuring messages: “With a commitment to accompany fishermen venturing to sea, we are honoured to serve and provide the best possible conditions to anyone visiting the Truong Sa anchorage. Boat owners and captains are kindly asked to cooperate to help the island soldiers fulfil their mission.”

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Lieutenant Colonel Hoa added: “Throughout our political mission, the service personnel at Truong Sa Technical Logistics Centre work with peace of mind and a spirit of serving the public, fulfilling every task assigned.” From 2022 to date, the centre has welcomed approximately 1,000 vessels annually. It is capable of repairing engine breakdowns, winch systems, propulsion systems, propellers, steering systems, and more.

Lieutenant Colonel Ha Duc Khang, Deputy Commander of Truong Sa Island Technical Logistics Centre, remarked that usage of the anchorage has grown markedly since opening. It now routinely provides storm shelter, general repairs, and social support. One vessel from Thanh Hoa arrived with winch failure; the repair required welding an original stainless steel gear mould weighing more than ten tonnes—only possible by highly specialised technicians. “Our team painstakingly welded it by hand and managed to fix it in the end,” he said.

The usage of the anchorage has grown markedly since opening. It now routinely provides storm shelter, general repairs, and social support.

Lieutenant Colonel Ha Duc Khang, Deputy Commander of Truong Sa Island Technical Logistics Centre

Speaking of his first Tet spent at the centre, Lieutenant Colonel Khang said: “I was deeply moved to see fishermen receiving food and fruit from soldiers, joyfully celebrating Tet. Sea voyages are hard work and being far from home, so being able to celebrate Tet together with the soldiers on this distant island felt very heart-warming.”

Colonel Do Hong Duyen, Deputy Political Commissar of Naval Region 2 and leader of the 25th working delegation, which included 100 journalists visiting the Truong Sa Islands shared: “Over the years, the operation of these Technical Logistics Service Centres has provided immense benefits, supporting fishermen venturing to sea near Truong Sa Islands and the DK1 rig. They have contributed to both marine economic development and strengthening national defence and security, firmly protecting our maritime sovereignty.

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