First-ever north-south ocean passenger service to set sail

VNGOP – An express ocean passenger service between northern and southern Việt Nam will make its maiden journey on December 13, the first time such a service has been offered in the country.

December 04, 2007 7:10 AM GMT+7

The Vinashin Ocean Shipping Company (Vinashinlines) journey will depart from the Hòn Gai Port in the northern Quảng Ninh province destined for the Nhà Rồng Port in Hồ Chí Minh City.

The 48-hour journey includes an 8-hour stopover in Central Việt Nam visiting Huế City and ancient town of Hội An.

General Director of Vinashinlines Trần Văn Liêm said the journey, which will run twice a week, will be made on an Italian-made cruise ship with a capacity of 1,000 passengers and 500 cars.

He said it accommodates a restaurant, a bar and telecommunications services.

A business-class ticket for one-way service is VND 3 million/passenger.

General Director Liêm also said his company plans to import one more ship from Italy in April or May next year to add to the service.

Vinashinlines is a subsidiary of the Việt Nam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Vinashin).

(Source: VNA)