On October 25 in Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, the Center for Sea Survey and Mapping (SEAMAP) under the Department of Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information of Viet Nam and the Russian Federation Marine Positioning Company ROMONA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025-2028 period. The signing reaffirms and expands a strategic partnership that has endured for more than two decades, opening a new phase of cooperation in marine geodesy, mapping, and positioning technologies.
SEAMAP signs a Memorandum of Understanding with ROMONA for the 2025-2028 period, opening a new stage of development for Vietnam's marine geodesy and positioning technology. Photo: Nguyen Thuy.Since 2000, SEAMAP and ROMONA have jointly implemented numerous marine surveying and mapping projects in Viet Nam, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Russian Far East. Their collaboration has extended beyond technical cooperation to include the exchange of specialists, joint fieldwork, and capacity-building programs held both in Viet Nam and the Russian Federation. Through these efforts, a range of advanced Russian technologies, particularly in satellite-based navigation, deep-sea surveying, and geophysical measurement, has been successfully transferred and applied in Viet Nam, significantly contributing to national capacity in marine resource management and maritime spatial planning.
At the signing ceremony, Mr. Sergey Antipov, General Director of ROMONA, and his technical team presented the company’s latest technological advancements, notably in integrated GLONASS/GNSS positioning systems and real-time marine data acquisition platforms. These innovations provide the foundation for enhanced precision in marine geological surveys, seabed topography mapping, and environmental monitoring. Mr. Antipov affirmed that the new MoU demonstrates ROMONA’s strong commitment to accompany Viet Nam in developing modern marine science, positioning, and mapping technologies.
Mr. Sergey Antipov, General Director of ROMONA (center), affirmed that the signing of the new cooperation memorandum demonstrates the Company's strong commitment to accompanying Vietnam on its path to developing marine science, modern positioning technology, and mapping. Photo: Nguyen Thuy.A key announcement during the event was the official rebranding of ROMONA International Ltd (UK), a long-term partner of SEAMAP in Viet Nam for over 25 years, into S.E.A. Survey Ltd, now headquartered at Silver Sea Tower, 47 Ba Cu Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. According to Mr. Antipov, the rebranding and relocation reflect ROMONA’s strategic expansion in the Asia–Pacific region, positioning Viet Nam as a central hub for future operations.
The new corporate structure, investment model, and upgraded facilities will enhance the company’s capacity to deliver marine surveying and geospatial services across the region. Both parties agreed to update all existing agreements to reflect the new corporate entity, officially recognizing S.E.A. Survey Ltd as the authorized representative of ROMONA in Viet Nam for all current and future cooperation activities. The transition will not affect the validity of previous commitments unless revised by mutual consent.
Under the newly signed MoU, SEAMAP and ROMONA will expand collaboration in several key areas between 2025 and 2028. The two sides will continue to jointly participate in marine surveying and mapping projects in Southeast Asia and the Russian Federation, giving priority to integrating SEAMAP’s personnel and equipment into ROMONA-led projects in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sakhalin.
They will broaden the application of ROMONA’s advanced marine positioning and geophysical instruments in SEAMAP’s projects across Viet Nam’s territorial waters and islands, and conduct annual training programs for SEAMAP engineers at ROMONA’s facilities, alongside workshops in Hanoi, Vung Tau, and Moscow.
Mr. Duong Quoc Luong, Director of SEAMAP, affirmed that expanding international cooperation, particularly with long-term partners like ROMONA, is pivotal for SEAMAP to develop high-quality human resources and master technology. Photo: Nguyen Thuy.Both parties will establish mechanisms for sharing non-classified marine data to support scientific research, mapping, and environmental monitoring, and jointly pursue international marine service contracts and consulting projects, including co-branded bids for offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy surveys throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Each cooperative activity will be formalized under economic contracts consistent with the laws of both countries, supported by annual coordination mechanisms to review progress and set strategic directions.
According to the new Memorandum of Understanding, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation across six key areas for the 2025-2028 period. Photo: Nguyen Thuy.Beyond technology, the partnership also aims to expand Viet Nam’s engagement in international marine markets, contributing to offshore energy exploration, renewable energy development, and regional marine geospatial service networks. These strategic initiatives are expected to help Viet Nam access cutting-edge marine technologies and develop a comprehensive marine data ecosystem that supports sustainable development, ocean governance, and national maritime sovereignty.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Sergey Antipov stated: “Our partnership with SEAMAP has always been one of ROMONA’s top global strategic priorities. The new MoU reflects our firm commitment to accompanying Viet Nam in advancing marine science, geodesy, and modern positioning technologies.” Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Duong Quoc Luong, Director of SEAMAP, affirmed that expanding international cooperation, especially with long-standing and trusted partners like ROMONA, will be pivotal to developing a highly skilled workforce, mastering advanced technology, and enhancing Viet Nam’s marine governance capacity in pursuit of blue economy growth and national sovereignty protection in the new era.