A ferry boat route is scheduled to open between Cần Giờ and Vũng Tàu on September 2. — Photo courtesy of Quốc Chánh Company Limited

HCM CITY — Construction of facilities for ferry services on the first Cần Giờ - Vũng Tàu sea route began on May 8 in HCM City.

The Cần Giờ-Vũng Tàu sea route will connect HCM City’s outlying Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City in the coastal southern province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu.

Nguyễn Quốc Chánh, director of the ferry operator, Quốc Chánh Company Limited, said the sea route would boost tourism in Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City, which are top tourist destinations in the southern region.

The new ferry boats will offer a convenient means of travel for locals and visitors travelling to the two cities.

Besides existing ferry routes such as the Bình Khánh Ferry linking HCM City's Nhà Bè and Cần Giờ districts, and Cần Giờ-Cần Giuộc Ferry between Cần Giờ District in HCM City and Cần Giuộc District in Long An Province, the new ferry services will contribute to socio-economic development and smoother connections between HCM City and neighboring provinces and cities.

Construction of facilities for sea ferry services between HCM City’s Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City began on May 8. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Diệp

Developing waterway transport to reduce pressure on roads is among HCM City’s major transport goals. Highways and expressways have become overloaded, especially during weekends and holidays.

The sea route will shorten the travel time between Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City from 3.5 hours to only 30 minutes compared to road travel.

There will be two ferry boats serving the route, offering 24 trips per day. Each boat can carry around 350 passengers, 20 cars and 100 motorbikes for a 15km trip.

The ferry services are expected to be put into official operation to celebrate National Day on September 2. — VNS