On August 3, in Lang Son province, DEOCA Group held a conference on the transfer and application of NATM and TBM tunneling technologies. This marks a significant step for Vietnamese businesses in mastering advanced tunneling techniques.

At the opening, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of DEOCA Group, affirmed that partner companies invited to the conference were carefully selected based on their proven capabilities and roles in key projects that DEOCA has implemented across the country.

The conference on the transfer and application of DEOCA’s NATM and TBM tunneling technologies attracted significant attention from businesses and the media.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang emphasized that as Vietnam enters a new era where transport infrastructure is adapting advanced technologies, DEOCA’s PPP++ model can only succeed when businesses and contractors work together to enhance professional capabilities. “If we fail to solve the technology challenge, we will fall behind foreign competitors in upcoming projects,” he stated.

He also pointed out shortcomings in workforce development for the transportation infrastructure, as many companies have yet to adopt “digital transformation” or “high-tech application.” Therefore, this conference is a forum for all parties to discuss and chart a roadmap for greater technology adoption in tunneling and other infrastructure projects. This will help realize the government’s vision and drive Vietnam's transportation sector into a new, more dynamic phase.

Specialized training, construction sites are "training grounds"

Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy, General Director of DEOCA Group, presented an overview of the potential for tunnel projects up to 2035. Based on government decisions, an estimated total investment of around 20.9 billion USD will be needed over the next decade to construct roughly 300 kilometers of tunnels.

Overall, the infrastructure sector requires a simultaneous deployment of 29.600 technical personnel and 10.300 specialized equipment to meet future tunnel construction demands. This presents a major challenge but also a significant opportunity for domestic businesses to enhance their capabilities, master technology, and expand their market share.

General Director Nguyen Quang Huy presented the training and tunneling technology transfer program of DEOCA Group.

Mr. Huy noted that DEOCA currently holds over 70% of the tunnel market share, having constructed more than 55 kilometers of tunnels and operated 11 road tunnels with a total length of 32.5 kilometers. It is the only Vietnamese company capable of constructing special-grade tunnels (over 1.500 meters).

DEOCA's mastery of this technology is built on a foundation of internationally trained technical experts and high-quality workforce, 4.000 engineers and workers, and 1.700 specialized equipment. The company has also localized its value chain, from surveying and design to construction and supervision.

DEOCA has also gradually accessed and mastered TBM technology, which is used in metro and high-speed railway projects. The Group has recently invested in TBM equipment and sent selected engineers for hands-on experience on TBM tunnel projects in China. The training program is tailored to different groups and skill levels, ensuring a systematic approach and on-site application.

DEOCA’s engineers attended a training course on TBM technology in China.

Regarding details on the technology transfer, Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy explained that the training process is systematically structured to three different groups - technicians, on-site engineers, and professional managers, following a four-step process - knowledge, understanding, practice, and analysis. This system not only helps workers master techniques and operate equipment but also fosters a culture of safety, health and optimizes construction capabilities.

Engineer Nguyen Duc Phuong, head of the trainee delegation, shared the outcomes gained from the TBM tunneling training program in China. He affirmed that DEOCA Group is fully capable of mastering this technology and can even improve it to create a system with its own distinctive mark, just as the Group had successfully done with the NATM tunneling method.

Following the training, partner companies will build teams capable of independently managing technical expertise, operating equipment, and organizing tunnel construction with safety, efficiency, and quality even in complex geological conditions. This will also optimize investment efficiency through cost estimation, waste control, and profit enhancement. This program is the foundation for a long-term, sustainable cooperation network with DEOCA Group.

DEOCA Group will provide partners' employees with knowledge on occupational safety measures and healthcare policies during the training. In addition to transferring advanced technology, the program also includes skill-enhancement courses, with a focus on management training for the leadership teams of partner companies. During the second phase of Dong Dang - Tra Linh project, three tunnels will be used as "training grounds" where participants can gain hands-on experience.

Shared benefits, shared risks

Mr. Nguyen Ba Khuong, Chairman of 568 Construction Investment Group, stated that the journey of working alongside DEOCA has enabled the company to gradually refine its organizational structure and achieve significant growth.

Starting with revenue of just 19-26 million USD, since collaborating with DEOCA, 568 Group has set a five-year growth strategy targeting 152-190 million USD. In 2025, revenues are expected to reach 133 million USD, a figure that Mr. Khuong believes it would be nearly impossible for a construction-only firm to achieve on its own.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Khuong, Chairman of 568 Construction Investment Group.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Khuong, Chairman of 568 Construction Investment Group, stated that the journey of working alongside DEOCA has enabled the company to gradually refine its organizational structure and achieve significant growth. “We are fully aware of our responsibility to successfully complete every task assigned, continuously enhance our capabilities, and partner with DEOCA in meeting the country’s infrastructure development needs,” he emphasized.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hai, Chairman of 559 DCT Investment JSC, affirmed his commitment to partnering with DEOCA and expressed desire to send personnel to participate in upcoming tunnel training programs for the second phase of Dong Dang - Tra Linh project.

Chairman of 559 Company expressed his wish to receive technology transfer in tunnel construction from DEOCA Group.

Mr. Le Manh Hung, General Director of TCE Company, emphasized that technology transfer plays a crucial role in enabling Vietnamese businesses to grow and avoid being “left behind” in their domestic market, especially as they face the large scale and complexity of upcoming projects.

“With the workload and complexity of the upcoming railway and tunnel projects, this is a feasible way for Vietnamese enterprises to take part in,” Mr. Le Manh Hung stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Le Van Sinh, Chairman of Tan Thanh 6 Company, said that DEOCA’s "think different" mindset has inspired many companies in the transportation infrastructure sector. "DEOCA's training and technology transfer program truly meets our aspirations while also aligning with the overall development needs of the Vietnamese business community," he said.

Mr. Le Van Sinh affirmed his company’s commitment to fulfilling its role in DEOCA’s projects and to assigning top personnel for the upcoming training program.

At the conference, participating businesses expressed their full support for the tunnel construction technology transfer program, pledged to send personnel for training, and committed to accompanying DEOCA in its upcoming projects.

Experience is DEOCA’s valuable asset

The Conference’s discussion session attracted various opinions from leading experts in tunnel construction and media agencies regarding DEOCA’s prospects for investing in modern railway projects.

Dr. Nguyen The Phung, a top Vietnamese expert in tunnel technology, confirmed that many domestic companies, despite their efforts, have been unable to master tunnel construction technology. Tunnel technology is not simply about buying equipment and learning skills; it requires both technical and scientific fields, along with practical experience.

According to Dr. Phung, the combination of training and technology transfer is a positive sign of DEOCA Group's remarkable maturity and responsibility in mastering core technology, rather than following the old model of renting equipment and hiring foreign experts.

At the conference, Chairman Ho Minh Hoang reiterated the company’s commitment to a focused growth strategy, accessing foreign technology, developing full expertise in its application, and transferring it to local partners. Only then will the company seek to export its technology.

Regarding TBM technology, the Group is prepared to invest heavily in sending employees for training, gradually mastering the technology before a widespread transfer. This move also aligns with General Secretary To Lam’s directive to "learn throughout life, dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, and dare to sacrifice for the common good" in order to train the workforce for upcoming key projects.

DEOCA is the only Vietnamese company capable of constructing special-grade tunnels (over 1.500 meters).

Mr. Bui Hong Dang, Director of the Tunnel Command Board for Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon project, shared that DEOCA's engineers have gradually localized NATM tunnel construction technology. They developed the "DEOCA system," a method compatible with Vietnam's geological and climatic conditions as well as its resources. This method has been effectively applied to many large tunnel projects nationwide.

DEOCA’s tunnel projects contribute economic, social, and environmental benefits for the country.

Answering a question about why DEOCA has not yet submitted proposals for high-speed and metro railway projects, Mr. Hoang affirmed that participation in any project - whether railway, road, or aviation—is based on the needs of the people and decisions of the Party and the State. He said the company is focused on performing well on its current projects to ensure quality, progress, and affordability.

“To achieve this on each project, we must select the right construction technology and be ready with machinery, equipment, and a skilled workforce - not just for ourselves, but for our partners as well, so we can all progress together. We must clarify to all stakeholders, including the State, local authorities, and partner companies that to go far, we must go together, share in the benefits and risks. Only then can we grow together and create sustainable value for the country,” Mr. Hoang said.

The Chairman emphasized that the company is fully prepared in terms of personnel, technology, and finances. Once the government decides whether a project is a public or private investment, we will make proposals to join the domestic business community and contribute to the country in the most effective way, in line with our strengths.

In his concluding remarks, Chairman Ho Minh Hoang instructed the Group's leadership to immediately finalize the theoretical and practical curriculums for the training and technology transfer program. First, trainees in the North will be assigned to tunnel construction for phase two of Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway project. In the South, trainees will be assigned to Dai Ngai 1 bridge project to learn cable-stayed bridge construction technology.

This strategic move aims to build a highly skilled team of engineers and technical staff who will gradually master modern technologies and participate in the country’s future key projects.

News: Bac Hiep - Photo: Tuan Linh