The Da Nang People's Committee has just issued regulations on the amount of fees charged on the use of sea areas. Specifically, the fees are charged for each activity in the exploitation and use of marine resources in the 2021 - 2025 period.

The offshore disposal of dredged material and waste is charged with VND20,000 /m³.

Meanwhile, VND7.5 million/ha/year is set for the use of marine areas to develop seaports, floating ports, offshore oil and gas ports and wharves, cable cars, floating and underground works, sea encroachment and other civil works on the sea, underground pipelines, telecommunications and power cables in the waters, aquaculture activities and fishing wharves, the use of wind, tidal waves and ocean currents to generate many types of energy.

The municipal People's Committee assigned the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and related units to make the proposals for collecting fees from the remaining sea areas which must be not lower than VND3 million/ha/year, but not exceed VND7.5 million /ha/year.

According to the national government-adopted Decree No.11/2021/ND-CP providing regulations on the allocation of sea areas to organisations and individuals for exploitation and use of marine resources, the duration of sea area allocation is considered and decided in each specific case based on the request for sea area allocation and investment project.

The maximum duration for sea area allocation must not exceed 30 years, which can be extended for many times, but the total extension period must not exceed 20 years.

With projects with more-than-30-year investment licences, the duration of sea area allocation will be considered at over 30 years, but it should not exceed the duration listed in the investment licences.

Regarding their obligations, organisations and individuals must use the allocated areas for proper purposes. They are not allowed to encroach the sea, violate the approved planning, destroy the sea ecosystem, and carry out activities that affect the nation’s defence, security, sovereignty and benefits. Additionally, they must not hinder basic surveys, inspections and scientific research activities.

Reporting by TRIEU TUNG – Translating by A. THU