Retired American naval officers join Vietnam-focused energy firm

Texas-based project development company Energy Capital Vietnam (ECV) announced Friday it was forming a maritime security council with the participation of two retired senior naval officers.

The council will “identify, inform and incorporate the implementation of international best standards and practices for safe and secure maritime trade; inform and assist applicable policy development; and promote ECV’s development mission and values within Vietnam,” the company said in a release.

Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, U.S. Navy, retired will join former Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius on the advisory board of the Houston headquartered company. Vice Admiral Sean A. Pybus, U.S. Navy, retired will join the newly created maritime security council, which will be chaired by Admiral Locklear.

ECV will have additional experts join Admiral Locklear and Vice Admiral Pybus on the council in the coming months, the company said.

“We are beyond privileged to have Admiral Locklear and Vice Admiral Pybus advising us,” said David Lewis, chairman and CEO of ECV.

“Their counsel will be paramount as we continue to develop vital infrastructure that supports economic growth and Vietnamese energy sovereignty. As a military veteran, it is my deepest honor to welcome such elite and distinguished leaders to our team,” he added.

ECV says it is a platform for direct investment into energy and infrastructure in Vietnam.

It sees Vietnam’s Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), issued on May 15, as a significant step toward greater energy security and the achievement of the country’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

In a May 23 statement, Lewis had said: “This plan opens the door to foreign investment. It reflects the Vietnamese government’s thoughtful deliberation and analysis on how best to allocate their scarce resources towards areas and efforts that yield the highest impact.”