The collaborative efforts were showcased at the inaugural France-Vietnam Forum on Railways and Urban Mobility, organized by Business France on 8th May 2026 in Hanoi under the France–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. The forum assembled Vietnamese government officials, transport sector authorities, investment representatives, and leading French companies with specialized expertise in rail infrastructure, signalling systems, rolling stock, operations, and project financing.

The gathering included prominent French firms specializing in rail technology and infrastructure development. Represented companies brought comprehensive capabilities spanning multiple aspects of railway project implementation, from initial design and planning through operational deployment and ongoing maintenance support.

According to Vietnam Railway Authority Deputy General Director Dương Hồng Anh, Vietnam is pursuing substantial expansion of its transport network. The country is simultaneously developing urban metro projects across major cities while preparing implementation of a planned high-speed railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These ambitious infrastructure undertakings will demand considerable financial investment, technological expertise, established technical standards, professional workforce development, and coordinated international partnerships.

Anh highlighted that French companies’ involvement in Vietnam’s railway market reflects substantial interest in long-term cooperation opportunities within the country’s transport sector. He emphasized that France Vietnam railway cooperation extends beyond simple equipment supply relationships. The partnership encompasses comprehensive technology transfer, collaborative planning processes, professional training programs, and sustained support enabling Vietnam to progressively develop independent railway operation capabilities and expand integration within supply chain networks.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet underscored that railway transport has emerged as a priority domain within bilateral cooperation frameworks. He referenced the reaffirmation of this commitment during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam in May of the previous year, when both nations formalized agreements emphasizing enhanced cooperation in railway project management training and broader transport sector development.

“Placing rail transport at the heart of our bilateral cooperation is a natural choice, given the longstanding ties between France and Việt Nam in this field, the ongoing joint projects, notably Hà Nội Metro Line 3, and the recognised French expertise in both long-distance rail and urban transport systems,” Brochet stated.

France Vietnam railway cooperation benefits from the country’s extensive operational experience managing a 2,700-kilometer high-speed rail network and developing the Grand Paris Express initiative, which represents Europe’s largest metro construction undertaking. The Grand Paris Express features more than 200 kilometers of newly constructed automated transit lines, demonstrating advanced technical capabilities applicable to Vietnamese projects.

During a meeting with the French business delegation on 7th May 2026, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyễn Tường Văn affirmed that railway development occupies a central position within Vietnam’s national infrastructure strategy. The country’s railway development plan spanning 2021–2030 prioritizes the North–South high-speed railway project, urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and critical regional connections including the Hanoi–Lao Cai–Hai Phong corridor.

Vietnam seeks to learn from countries demonstrating advanced railway industry capabilities, particularly France, as it proceeds with substantial rail sector investments. These large-scale undertakings require major financial resources, specialized policy frameworks, established technical standards, professional workforce training programs, and comprehensive technology transfer mechanisms.

The North-South high-speed railway initiative garnered significant attention among French participants. This 1,540-kilometer project connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with trains capable of operating at speeds reaching 350 kilometers per hour, would fulfill a strategic function within Vietnam’s transport infrastructure development. SNCF International’s leadership expressed confidence that the project would emerge as a substantial socio-economic growth catalyst extending across multiple decades.

The initiative offers potential benefits including strengthened regional connectivity, reduced development disparities across different areas, and provision of transportation options that are environmentally sustainable and safer compared to alternative transport methods. These advantages gain particular significance amid escalating climate-related concerns affecting transportation planning globally.

French railway sector participants confirmed readiness to contribute technical expertise and support Vietnam’s implementation of its comprehensive railway modernization strategy and urban mobility advancement plans.

Developed by VinSpeed High-Speed Railway Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, a member of Vingroup, the project carries a total investment exceeding VND 147 trillion, equivalent to more than USD 5.6 billion, excluding land clearance costs. Extending across Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, the 120.2 km line is designed as a double-track, standard-gauge (1,435 mm), fully electrified system. The route will originate at Co Loa Station, situated within the Vietnam National Exhibition Center in the Vinhomes Global Gate Hanoi urban area, and terminate at Ha Long Station, located in Globe Forest Park, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long, Quang Ninh. Along the corridor, three intermediate stations, Gia Binh(Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong), and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), will support passenger movement, complemented by a depot at the Ha Long terminal.

Trains on the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed rail network will reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, while the section through Hanoi will operate at a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The project will incorporate next-generation rolling stock and advanced signaling, communications, and equipment systems provided by Siemens Mobility (Germany), alongside a defined roadmap for technology transfer to VinSpeed during operational phases.

Once completed, the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed rail project is expected to enter commercial service in 2028, cutting travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh from over two hours to approximately 23 minutes, representing a five to seven times reduction.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bui Van Khang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, stated: “The Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway is a mega-project that carries significant expectations. It demonstrates the capacity and strong commitment of the investor, and stands as clear evidence of the increasingly deep participation of the private sector in critical national infrastructure.”

Representing the investor, Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vingroup, shared: “Today’s launch ceremony for the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway affirms Vingroup’s strong commitment to contributing to infrastructure development, steadily building a modern, internationally-standardized transport infrastructure system, thereby supporting socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for the Vietnamese people.”

As Vietnam’s first inter-regional high-speed railway initiative, the project is positioned to drive momentum in the Northern Key Economic Region while advancing national competitiveness. It also represents the second undertaking by VinSpeed, following the groundbreaking of the Ben Thanh-Can Gio railway line in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2025, which is likewise scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2028. Together, these projects underline VinSpeed’s execution capacity and contribute to building a multi-billion-dollar railway and supporting industries ecosystem, reinforcing Vietnam’s standing on the global stage.

The engine, identified as 6UEC35LSGH, has reached a key milestone by initiating hydrogen co-firing operations across all cylinders. Designed as the world’s first full-scale unit intended for installation on an operational vessel, the hydrogen ship engine has already achieved a hydrogen co-firing ratio exceeding 95% at 100% load. This performance demonstrates both greenhouse gas reduction benefits and stable functionality. Further verification testing is planned to refine performance under hydrogen co-firing conditions, as developers continue to validate the system’s operational capabilities.

While hydrogen-powered vessels have gained traction in recent years both in Japan and internationally, most existing projects have focused on smaller-scale applications such as sightseeing boats or tugboats using compressed hydrogen for short-distance and low-output operations. In contrast, this initiative combines the high-efficiency, high-output, low-speed two-stroke 6UEC35LSGH hydrogen ship engine with liquefied hydrogen fuel. This approach is designed to support long-distance, long-duration, and high-output maritime operations, positioning it as a notable technological breakthrough toward the deployment of large oceangoing hydrogen-fueled merchant vessels.

J-ENG’s development draws on extensive research into hydrogen-compatible materials, combustion behavior, and durability of fuel injection systems. The engine is scheduled for shipment in January 2027, after completion of full-scale verification, and will be installed as the main propulsion unit on a 17,500-DWT hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel being designed and constructed by Onomichi Dockyard. Kawasaki is simultaneously developing the MHFS hydrogen fuel supply system, which will be integrated into the vessel. MOL and Onomichi Dockyard have finalized contracts covering the vessel’s construction, while agreements on required onboard systems have also been concluded. The vessel’s detailed design is progressing steadily, with plans for a three-year demonstration phase beginning in FY2028 under MOL and MOL Drybulk operations. Throughout development, construction, and operation, ClassNK will oversee safety evaluations, as project partners continue efforts—supported by NEDO—to advance the practical deployment of the hydrogen ship engine and hydrogen-powered merchant shipping.

The launch ceremony for the South Luzon Container Terminal was attended by several senior government officials and industry representatives. The event was led by Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno. Jay Daniel R. Santiago, general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, represented the agency during the event. Among international attendees was former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, led the company’s officers and staff present at the ceremony and acknowledged the support extended by both national and local officials and government agencies.

The South Luzon Container Terminal is situated within a naturally protected cove along Batangas Bay, a location expected to provide stable operating conditions as construction progresses toward the targeted completion in 2028. The terminal is being designed to accommodate ultra-large container vessels once fully developed. At completion, the facility will feature an 800-meter quay, 38 hectares of container yard, and a berth depth of 18 meters, supporting a projected terminal capacity exceeding two million TEUs annually. The first phase of construction will focus on marine works, including the development of a 425-meter quay designed for super post-Panamax operations. This phase is scheduled to run from May to September 2027, while delivery and installation of equipment are planned for August 2027. Once operational readiness is achieved, the South Luzon Container Terminal is expected to increase throughput within ICTSI’s Philippine network and contribute to long-term logistics planning.

The facility is envisioned as a smart technology terminal equipped with advanced cargo handling systems. Planned equipment includes eight remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes, 20 rail-mounted gantries, and 32 diesel-hybrid carriers and handlers. Direct access to the South Luzon Container Terminal will be provided through the Bauan–San Pascual–Batangas–STAR route and major South Luzon tollways. Additional transport links are also being considered through the Cavite-to-Bauan corridor. The project forms part of the broader infrastructure development agenda under Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More infrastructure program.

Under the collaboration, HD Hyundai and ABS will work together on the conceptual design of a 16,000-TEU container ship using nuclear-linked electric propulsion technology. A vessel of this scale is capable of transporting tens of thousands of cargo containers across global shipping routes. The project is intended to examine whether nuclear energy could provide a dependable and efficient power source for large vessels engaged in long-haul maritime operations. If successfully developed, the concept could represent a key step toward the future deployment of nuclear-powered container ships in international trade.

The engineering work associated with the project will address several technical components required for such vessels. These include the core design of electric propulsion systems connected to nuclear energy sources, the selection of electrical equipment, and the configuration of major onboard power systems. A central feature of the concept is the use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as the vessel’s primary energy source. These compact nuclear reactors are capable of generating up to about 100 megawatts (134,000 horsepower) of power. Because of their modular design and relatively smaller footprint, they offer potential advantages in integrating nuclear systems into maritime platforms such as nuclear-powered container ships.

Engineers from both organizations will analyze how these reactors could meet the significant energy demands of container ships operating over long ocean distances at high speeds. If the design proves viable, the propulsion concept could eliminate the need for conventional fossil-fuel engines in certain maritime applications. ABS, as a classification society, will play a critical role by assessing design standards and verifying that vessels meet international safety and operational requirements before entering service. HD Hyundai plans to develop a dedicated power management system tailored specifically for container ships operating with nuclear-linked electric propulsion.

Additional design elements include a twin-screw propeller arrangement, where two propellers operate simultaneously to improve thrust and maneuverability for large cargo ships navigating congested ports and restricted waterways. The concept also incorporates a direct-drive propulsion system that links the electric motor directly to the propeller, reducing mechanical losses typically associated with power transmission. Such features could enhance operational efficiency for future nuclear-powered container ships while reducing energy waste.

The vessel design may also allow operators to carry a greater number of refrigerated containers, or reefer units, which require significant electrical power to maintain low temperatures for frozen or chilled cargo. A stable and high-capacity power supply could support more of these energy-intensive containers, offering increased flexibility in cargo operations.

Safety considerations remain central to the development process. Engineers are working to incorporate strengthened safety standards directly into the ship’s design. Systems are planned to maintain secure operations even under extreme scenarios such as collisions or flooding. Power systems will also be designed to align with global regulations established by the International Maritime Organization and nuclear safety guidelines issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

HD Hyundai first presented its nuclear-powered container ships concept during the Houston Maritime Nuclear Summit in February last year. Later in the same year, the company received Approval in Principle from ABS for the propulsion concept at Gastech 2026, signaling continued progress in the development of nuclear-powered commercial shipping technology.

Situated in the National Capital Region, the facility benefits from a strategic location close to key commercial districts and major transportation routes. The new Philippines warehouse offers direct connectivity to SLEX Sucat, allowing efficient access for cargo movement across Metro Manila and beyond. The site spans 7,320 sqm and operates as a multi-user warehouse designed to support diverse logistics requirements. Its structure features a ceiling height of approximately 20m and incorporates full insulation, providing both operational efficiency and structural strength. The facility has been constructed to meet stringent safety and security benchmarks. Among its key safety features are Optical Beam Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, and a mechanical cross ventilation system. The compound is fully enclosed within a gated perimeter and is monitored by 24×7 security guards. Additional security measures include full CCTV coverage with 60 days video retention and an intruder alarm system.

Sustainability considerations have also been incorporated into the design of the new Philippines warehouse. The facility is equipped with LED lighting and includes provisions for solar panel installation. A skylight system has been integrated to maximize the use of natural light within the warehouse, contributing to efforts aimed at lowering its carbon footprint. The site is currently undergoing certification processes to secure ISO standards covering Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Quality Management Systems (QMS),  and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems.

The new facility expands Rhenus’ operational network in the country, complementing seven existing sites located across Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. With this addition, the company strengthens its nationwide logistics coverage while ensuring smoother integration with global supply chains.

According to industry estimates, the freight and logistics market size in the Philippines is projected to reach USD 16.20 billion in 2026 and is expected to grow further to USD 21.60 billion by 2031. Within this evolving market landscape, Rhenus Philippines brings specialized capabilities in chemical warehousing, consumer goods logistics, and machinery and industrial logistics. Through its freight forwarding entity, the company also delivers a comprehensive suite of services including warehousing and distribution solutions, domestic inter-island shipping, customs brokerage, project logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.

Located in the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park, the Vietnam logistics facility gains advantages from its closeness to vital infrastructure such as Lach Huyen Port, the largest deep-water port in northern Vietnam, and Cat Bi International Airport. The location also offers convenient access to Hanoi, the largest consumer market in the northern region, along with access to the border area with China.

The investment is part of MOL Group’s comprehensive transformation strategy under the “BLUE ACTION 2035” management initiative, aimed at creating stable earnings that are less susceptible to fluctuations in the shipping market. A key aspect of this plan involves strengthening the “Logistics Infrastructure” segment within the group.The strategy also highlights the importance of regional growth, with Southeast Asia. MOL believes this initiative supports efforts to enhance collaboration with the Mitsubishi Estate Group while progressing portfolio transformation and regional strategic goals.

In addition to its advantageous location, the Vietnam logistics facility is designed with structural resilience to endure typhoons and the other weather conditions typical of northern Vietnam. It features motion-sensor LED lighting and incorporates sophisticated water conservation and fire-suppression technologies. The project earned EDGE Advanced certification from the EDGE certification framework, endorsed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), positioning it among a select group of high-standard logistics facilities in Vietnam that prioritize both environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of employees. MOL Group announced its plans to further expand logistics operations throughout Southeast Asia, enhance collaboration with local partners, and seek growth in rapidly developing markets.

The agreement combines DHL’s global logistics network with JD.com’s vast e-commerce ecosystem. This gives German companies new avenues to grow in other countries. The MoU would make it easier for DHL to connect German businesses to JD.com’s platform. This will let them use JINGDONG Cross-border to get to Chinese consumers. This channel helps German brands sell directly to over 700 million Chinese customers on JD.com. They don’t have to set up a physical base or legal entity in China. The companies hope to make it easier for businessmen to get into the Chinese market by combining JD.com’s digital marketplace talents with DHL’s logistics expertise.

DHL and JINGDONG Logistics will work together to make shipping goods from Europe to China easier by creating integrated logistics solutions that function from start to finish. The framework provides a particular strategy for customs fees and VAT for direct B2C exports at much lower price compared to regular import models. JD.com will also provide a comprehensive range of e-commerce services, including business handling, picking out products, collecting consumer data, and giving marketing tools. These talents, together with DHL’s decades of experience in international shipping and trade facilitation, are expected to be a strong support system for German brands growth in China.

The partnership isn’t just limited to Asia. JD.com will help German businesses that join up access more customers in Europe through Joybuy, its new online store there. Joybuy uses its e-commerce experience to open a new sales channel and build a bigger retail infrastructure, which helps it reach more customers in Europe. This cooperation makes DHL’s position in helping trade and e-commerce grow across borders stronger. It also helps boost German brands growth in both China and Europe over the long term.

This advancement from the first MoU that was signed in January 2026 goes on to represent a major step forward and also forms part of a much wider roadmap in order to develop an integrated RTA ecosystem in India. Notably, the MoU also goes on to represent making strategic relations between India and Brazil more robust.

Apparently, this industrial partnership is going to aim to set up an ecosystem for the E175. Both the companies are already working together in order to progress all the aspects of the MoU, which includes opportunities within aircraft manufacturing, aftermarket services, and supply chain, as well as pilot training, and also securing orders in order to support the proposed Final Assembly Line for E175 regional jet.

According to the director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, Jeet Adani, “Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion. With initiatives like UDAN transforming air connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the need for an indigenous regional aviation ecosystem has become critical. This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together.”

Says Ashish Rajvanshi, Adani Defence & Aerospace’s President & CEO, “We are shaping India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem, a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar aviation that bridges urban-rural divides, generates high-skill employment, and elevates India’s position in the global aerospace industry.”

On the occasion, the President and CEO of Embraer, Francisco Gomes Neto, said that “The E175 has a global track record of enabling efficient, high-frequency regional operations, and India is a key growth market in that segment. This signing represents a critical milestone for our partnership, as we continue to work together on all aspects of the proposed aerospace ecosystem, including securing orders for a Final Assembly Line in India.”

The fact is that being one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world when it comes to passenger traffic, India is most likely to require a minimum of 500 aircraft in the 80-to-146-seat segment in the next 20 years. This indeed goes on to reflect quite a strong demand when it comes to efficient regional as well as short-haul connectivity that is driven by smaller and efficient jets.

Apparently, the E175, which is a proven regional jet having a seating capacity of up to 88 passengers, is uniquely suited so as to unlock the blue ocean opportunities in India in the uncontested market spaces, which are concentrated in both Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These markets are pretty much underserved by larger aircraft, and the E175 can help with new routes, enhanced levels of connectivity, dependable operations, and also the expansion of regional air travel that is fast. As the government makes fast efforts in order to bring air travel to more people, the E175 gives out a proven and efficient solution for RTA, which syncs in pretty strongly with UDAN, which is transforming air connectivity throughout the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities of the country.

Adani Defence & Aerospace happens to be the largest integrated private defence and aerospace player in India, which has a track record of building critical capabilities throughout domains and also advancing indigenous aerospace along with UAV manufacturing that is in sync with the national security priorities and international requirements. With the largest MRO ecosystem in the country and also a fast-scaling pilot training platform, Adani Defence is indeed turning the aviation value chain end-to-end more robust. Its varied portfolio ranges from aircraft and unmanned systems to avionics and weapons as well as sustainment and is anchored by way of long-term capability development along with the need for national self-reliance.

It is worth noting that Embraer has quite a growing footprint and also a long history in India, with almost 50 Embraer aircraft and 11 aircraft types that are at present operating throughout commercial, defense as well as business aviation.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority – JNPA has recently signed a memorandum of understanding – MoU with Grand Port Maritime de Marseille Fos – GPMM hence marking what both sides describe as a fresh chapter when it comes to India–Europe maritime cooperation. The agreement has been inked by the CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Port of Marseille Fos, Mr. Hervé Martel, and the General Manager – Admin and Secretary of JNPA, Manisha Jadhav. Interestingly, the collaboration is intended to make sure that the maritime ties between India and Europe become more robust via enhancing the cargo flows through both the ports and by syncing strategies pertaining to innovation and sustainability, along with operational excellence.

Apart from the trade volumes, the MoU has also outlined a framework for technical exchanges along with capacity building in smart port platforms, port digitalisation as well as data interoperability. A specific focus is placed on certain green operations, which includes alternative fuels like LNG and hydrogen, the rollout of Onshore Power Supply – OPS, and also the development in terms of low-carbon bunkering. According to both the ports, the objective is to create more sustainable as well as technologically advanced port ecosystems while at the same time ensuring to keep their networks connected internationally.

The fact is that the energy transition is indeed the main pillar of this cooperation. Both sides look forward to working with each other on initiatives that are designed to decrease emissions at berth and also throughout the port operations by way of using tools like OPS systems as well as cleaner fuels. The agreement is a pure showcase of shared ambition to sync port development along with global climate targets as well as maritime sustainability benchmarks and to ensure that the policy commitments take the shape of practical infrastructure and also functional changes.

When it comes to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority – JNPA, which is the largest container port in India and also a major gateway for the EXIM trade of the country, the deal also focuses on access to the market. Marseille Fos, which is one of the leading ports in France and also a strategic logistics hub that’s a part of the Mediterranean, is regarded as a prominent entry point for Indian cargo to get into Europe. Both the partners anticipate the link-up to make way for container volumes that are higher, encourage multimodal connections, and also come up with novel business opportunities that are there to grab on both sides of the route.