Quang Ninh’s new plan aims to modernize the Ha Long Bay tourism fleet by replacing all wooden-hull vessels with steel by 2030, while enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Quang Ninh maintains 508 tourist boats operating in Ha Long Bay. (Photo: Pham Cong)
On November 12, Bui Hong Minh, Deputy Director of Quang Ninh's Department of Transport, announced that the provincial People's Committee had drafted a plan to improve the tourism fleet in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay through 2030.
The fleet upgrade will take place in phases. From now until 2025, Ha Long Bay will maintain 508 tourist boats and pilot 20 yachts for exploration tours in designated areas or routes.
Bai Tu Long Bay will add 100 tourist boats, allowing boat owners to choose the type of vessels that suit their business needs.
From 2026 to 2030, the number of additional tourist boats will be reviewed and publicly announced each year, ensuring the total number of boats does not exceed the area's tourist capacity as determined by authorities and that it aligns with the waterway infrastructure.
While the tourist capacity is yet to be finalized, the annual addition of tourist boats in Ha Long Bay will remain capped at 508 boats.
"We encourage replacing wooden-hull boats with steel-hull ones to enhance safety standards and reduce pollution. The goal is to replace 100% of wooden-hull boats with steel hulls by 2030," said Mr. Minh.
The plan also encourages the replacement of two or more smaller boats with a single larger vessel, aiming to improve safety, comfort, and increase the overall capacity of the fleet. This will gradually phase out older boats in favor of newer, higher-quality models with more attractive designs suitable for Ha Long Bay.
Expanding passenger spaces (a minimum of 1.4 m² per person) and adding areas for other services (such as bars, scenic lounges, and kitchens) are also encouraged. The plan includes installing high-quality equipment and meeting five-star standards or higher for overnight and restaurant boats.
Deputy Director Minh added that by 2025, the DOT aims to complete safety alerts in hazardous areas, obstacles beyond the main shipping lanes, and areas not yet regulated for transport in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
The plan also includes upgrading and dredging waterways, expanding port facilities, and improving passenger docks to meet the needs of the growing tourism industry.
Pham Cong - Hoai Anh