Vietnam’s gas transmission firm PV Gas SE: a journey of creation and pride

For over two decades, Petrovietnam Gas South East Transmission Company (PV Gas SE) has stood as a lasting symbol within Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV Gas) - one of the earliest-established units closely tied to the pioneering steps of Vietnam’s gas industry.

Regarded as the “lifeline” of the nation’s gas distribution and transportation system, PV Gas SE has formed part of the foundation behind the strong growth of PV Gas – an arm of state-owned giant Petrovietnam. The company has made significant contribution to ensuring national energy security and helped usher in a new era for Vietnam’s gas industry.

From humble beginnings

PV Gas SE traces its roots back to the Vung Tau Gas Pipeline Operations Center under Gas Company (the precursor of PV Gas), founded in 1995 with just 43 employees. At the time, it managed the first two gas stations - Dinh Co inlet station and Ba Ria distribution station, along with a 140-kilometer pipeline, including 120 kilometers offshore.

On April 26, 1995, the first flow of gas from the Bach Ho (White Tiger) pipeline came ashore. Just days later, on May 1, 1995, the first commercial gas was delivered to the Ba Ria Electricity Factory (now Ba Ria Thermal Power JSC in Ho Chi Minh City).

From that milestone, the system steadily expanded: the pipeline stretched to Phu My in the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (now part of HCMC after their merger in July), while distribution stations and receiving pipelines from the Dinh Co Gas Processing Plant in HCMC were brought online, laying the foundation for a nascent yet ambitious gas industry.

The birth and growth of PV Gas SE not only aligned with the trend of deeper integration and specialization, but also laid crucial groundwork for PV Gas to maintain its pivotal role in the gas industry while gradually reaching regional and international markets.

On September 12, 2002, Gas Transmission Enterprise was officially established, marking a major turning point. Its primary mission was to operate and maintain offshore-to-onshore gas pipelines, gas distribution stations and centers, as well as related facilities and equipment, while receiving wet gas and distributing dry gas to end-users.

In particular, the Phu My Gas Distribution Center (GDC Phu My) in HCMC, which came into operation in December 2002, has been regarded as the “heart of the Southeast gas transmission system,” ensuring stable distribution of gas from the Nam Con Son Basin, offshore southern Vietnam, to industrial and power customers across the Southeast region.

Journey of establishing position

August 15, 2007 marked a pivotal milestone as Gas Transmission Enterprise was officially renamed Petrovietnam Gas South East Transmission Company (PV Gas SE), opening a new chapter of growth filled with both opportunities and challenges.

Shortly after its establishment, PV Gas SE took over the operation of the Phu My – HCMC pipeline system, stretching more than 50 kilometers and featuring two gas distribution stations: Nhon Trach in Dong Nai province, the southern manufacturing hub bordering HCMC, and Hiep Phuoc in HCMC.

In March 2008, the first gas flow was supplied to the Nhon Trach 1 Thermal Power Plant in Dong Nai, followed in October 2009 by the Hiep Phuoc Power Plant in HCMC - solid opening steps in delivering clean fuel for power generation.

The 2010-2012 period witnessed remarkable expansion as PV Gas SE took over and operated the Rong (Dragon) – Doi Moi (Hawksbill) gas compression platform and the low-pressure gas collection system at the North White Tiger Dome, and completed the Te Giac Trang (White Rhino) – Hai Su Trang (White Sea Lion) gas collection pipeline. Notably, the Nhon Trach Gas Distribution Center (GDC Nhon Trach) began operation in 2010, showcasing the industry’s growing domestic capability.

From 2016 to 2020, many key projects came online: gas production from the Thien Ung (Eagle) field (2016), the Phase 2 operation of the Nam Con Son 2 gas pipeline system (2020), and gas reception from the Sao Vang – Dai Nguyet field (November 2020).

In February 2025, Nhon Trach 3, part of Vietnam’s first LNG-fired power project Nhon Trach 3 & 4 in Dong Nai, was officially connected to the national grid. On June 27, Nhon Trach 4 delivered its first electricity from imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking the first time Vietnam generated power from LNG.

This breakthrough milestone affirmed PV Gas SE’s continued pioneering role in delivering clean energy for the future, making a significant contribution to national energy security.

Pioneering LNG era

Going beyond its traditional gas transportation mission, PV Gas SE has pioneered the LNG era in Vietnam.

On June 27, 2023, the first gas flow from the Thi Vai – Phu My LNG project chain was officially injected into the pipeline system, marking the start of a new journey. Just days later, on July 10, LNG carrier Maran Gas Achilles delivered the country’s first imported LNG cargo at Cai Mep port in HCMC, making history in Vietnam’s energy sector.

Demonstrating exceptional capability, PV Gas SE successfully conducted a 24-hour continuous trial run at full capacity before officially commissioning the Thi Vai – Phu My LNG pipeline.

In March 2025, its pioneering role was further affirmed as the gas supply system for Nhon Trach 3 and 4 was completed - an important milestone in PV Gas’s LNG value chain and a testament to PV Gas SE’s leadership in the clean energy era.

Business, production highlights

Throughout its development journey, PV Gas SE has established a reputation for stability and sustainability in its business and production, becoming one of the cornerstone units of PV Gas.

From the first gas flows to today’s modern facilities, the volume of transported and distributed gas has consistently grown, despite market fluctuations. Today, PV Gas SE manages an extensive gas infrastructure network, with hundreds of kilometers of onshore and offshore pipelines, and numerous compression platforms, distribution centers, and gas stations spanning the Southeast region, meeting customer demand while reinforcing PV Gas SE’s backbone role in the national energy supply chain.

From the first tentative steps with the Bach Ho pipeline to a pioneering role in the LNG era, PV Gas SE’s journey is a vivid testament to its resilience, intellect, and ambition for integration. Beyond transporting gas, PV Gas SE carries forward trust, energy security, and the aspiration for a green, sustainable future for the nation.