APM Terminals Unveils New Swimming Hub for Haiphong Students
A New Era of Water Safety and Education
A state-of-the-art swimming facility was officially opened on November 4, offering a safe and structured environment for over 700 students to learn essential swimming and water safety skills. The facility features a five-lane pool measuring 12.5 by 25 metres, along with changing rooms, showers, and toilets. This new infrastructure is designed to provide students with the tools they need to build confidence in the water and develop life-saving abilities.
In Vietnam, only 9 per cent of schools have access to swimming facilities, and approximately 33 per cent of students are able to swim. These statistics highlight a critical gap in child safety, particularly in coastal and island regions where drowning incidents remain one of the leading causes of child fatalities. The newly inaugurated pool directly addresses this pressing need, aiming to reduce the number of preventable tragedies through education and training.
The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between APM Terminals and local authorities. By supporting the development of the swimming training facility at Doan Duc Thai School, APM Terminals ensures that students have access to structured swimming lessons. This initiative not only enhances their safety but also empowers them with vital life skills that can make a difference in their lives.
Jon Goldner, chief executive of APM Terminals Asia and Middle East, emphasized the company’s commitment to the communities it operates in. “This community initiative reflects our deep commitment to the communities where we operate,” he said. “We are proud to support the safety and development of over 700 students in Cat Hai through this new swimming training facility.”
Phan Viet Dien, chairman of the People’s Committee of Cat Hai Special Zone, highlighted the significance of the project as a shared commitment to education, child safety, and sustainable growth. “Fully funded and delivered by APM Terminals with support from Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal, the project reflects the value of public–private cooperation in creating safe, inclusive spaces where children can build essential life skills and confidence.”
Hoang Van Tung, headmaster of Doan Duc Thai Primary and Secondary School, expressed pride in the new facility. “Thanks to APM Terminals’ generous support, every student will now have the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills by the end of grade 5. This project reflects the strong partnership between our school, local authorities, and the private sector in improving education and community wellbeing.”
Beyond its immediate impact on child safety, the pool symbolizes a long-standing collaboration between APM Terminals, Hateco Group, and local authorities in Haiphong. This partnership strengthens the region’s maritime and logistics ecosystem while contributing to social development in local communities. APM Terminals continues to leverage its global expertise and local partnerships to support community wellbeing.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community development, APM Terminals will continue to support the swimming training facility at Doan Duc Thai School. This includes providing swimming caps for all 700 students, funding a dedicated swimming instructor, and covering annual maintenance and equipment costs in the initial years. These efforts ensure the facility’s sustainability and safe operation for years to come.
This initiative also underscores APM Terminals’ broader role in supporting Vietnam’s trade and logistics development. Through these efforts, the company continues to combine operational excellence with meaningful social contribution, enabling sustainable growth for both business and community.
