HCMC – The HCMC Department of Transport has thrown its support behind a proposal to launch a high-speed boat service between HCMC and Con Dao Island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province to meet the travel demand and develop waterway tourism.
The proposal was made by Greenlines DP Technology Co., Ltd and Phu Quoc Express JSC, the local media reported.
According to the HCMC Department of Transport, the proposal is in line with the HCMC government’s plan to boost inland waterway transport development.
In addition, the project is on the list of waterway transport routes from the mainland to the islands, according to Circular 30/2021/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport.
The HCMC Department of Transport asked Greenlines DP Technology Co., Ltd and Phu Quoc Express JSC to contact the HCMC and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Maritime Administrations to get guidelines on the development of the high-speed boat service.
As the HCMC government has directed the relocation of inland waterway stations at the Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, the municipal Department of Transport suggested the two enterprises seek permission from Saigon Port JSC, the operator of the Saigon Khanh Hoi Terminal, to pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal.
At present, HCMC residents can travel to Con Dao Island only by air. However, only two airlines have been operating flights on the route, while aircraft used on the route are small and the airfares are high.
It will take passengers five to six hours to travel between HCMC and Con Dao Island if they use the high-speed boat service. Tickets will cost some VND900,000 each.
