The Ministry of Public Works and Transport ("MPWT") published Notification No. 65 on October 7, 2025, stating that all shipping firms, shipowners, and operators of cross-border vessels that transport cargo or people between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam must apply for a Cross-Border Vessel Permit ("Notification").

The General Department of Waterway, Maritime Transport, and Ports ("GDWMTP") requires applications for permits from vessels carrying persons or commodities across the Cambodia-Vietnam border in accordance with this notification. Through the notification, Cambodian shipping operations will be brought into compliance with Vietnam's more stringent cross-border transport laws.

The following are this notification's main highlights:

• Every commercial vessel involved in cross-border transportation between Cambodia and Vietnam needs to apply for a Cross-Border Vessel Permit from the MPWT's GDWMTP.
• Applications must be submitted with supporting documentation, including a valid and duly certified shipowner's identification document, a vessel registration and technical inspection certificate, a business license for waterway transport, an insurance policy or certificate of insurance, a letter of condemnation, a company registration certificate, and articles of incorporation, to the Department of Waterway Transport, which is housed in building "A" on the fourth floor of MPWT Headquarters.
• The permission is valid for a year after it is issued.

This regulation reaffirms Cambodia's ongoing dedication to promoting collaboration with neighboring Vietnam and guaranteeing the legal, secure, and effective operation of international waterway transportation.