The Ha Long Shipbuilding Company, an affiliate of the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) launched a 70,000 DWT car-carrying vessel, the first of its kind, in northern Quang Ninh province on July 21.

The Victory Leader vessel, capable of carrying 4,900 cars, was built under a contract with the Israeli RAY shipping company.

The launch, which took place earlier than scheduled, confirmed that the vessel was seaworthy and functioning smoothly before being put into operation, said Pham Thanh Binh, Vinashin President./.