Quang Ninh province recently issued the guidance on agreement in principle concerning replacing wooden boats on Ha Long Bay with ships made from steel or similar materials. The suggestion draws the attention of boat owners, especially those who want to replace and built new steel ships.
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| An overnight-staying ship on Ha Long Bay |
According to the plan, as for sightseeing boats, one wooden boats will be replaced by one ships made from steel or similar materials. As for overnight-staying boats, one wooden boats will be replaced by one ships made from steel or similar materials on the condition that the number of beds on board will not be increased. It is encouraged to replace 2 small wooden boats with one large ships made from steel or similar materials on the condition that the number of beds on new ships is equal to the total number of beds on the 2 small wooden boats plus no more than 30% of beds.
The new ships must ensure the Department of Transportation’s requirements on the quality, equipment, and safety. The plan of wooden tourist boat replacement must be supervised strictly in terms of the quantity and total deadweight tonnage of ships which are in line with UNESCO’s recommendations, thus ensuring traffic flow on the bay and environmental protection as regulated.
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| Tourist boats dock at Tuan Chau International Marina |
More than 500 tourist boats and ships are operating on Ha Long Bay and the surrounding areas. The replacement plan is needed as Quang Ninh’s tourism and services has witnessed a strong growth, especially in the number of visitors to the bay. This, for sure, will be highly appreciated by boat owners and travelers.
Translated by Quynh Trang