New HCM City hydrofoils cost 1 million USD

The first two-deck high speedboat Green-lines DP was piloted on the Saigon River on August 16 to replace the old hydrofoils that had been used between HCM City and southern Vung Tau city.

The first two-deck high speedboat Green-lines DP was piloted on the Saigon River on August 16 to replace the old hydrofoils that had been used between HCM City and the southern coastal city of Vung Tau.

The boat, which costs 1 million USD, was designed by Vietnamese engineer under European standards. It plans to officially begin operating in November 2015.

The boat, manufactured with two engines, is expected to save fuel and be safer than the old speedboats.

The boat, which can run at 55-60 km/h, takes one hour and 15 minutes to travel from HCM City to Vung Tau.

A one-way ticket costs 250,000 VND (11.5 USD).

At the pilot testing, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat said that local businesses would conduct research and manufacture two-engine high speedboats to replace the 20-year hydrofoils.

"We'd like to support these boats to serve passengers as soon as possible," he said.

The Government has plans to develop domestic waterways to reduce traffic congestion on roads.

In early 2014, one hydrofoil of Vina Express travelling from HCM City to Vung Tau caught fire while on the Saigon River. On board were 92 passengers, most of whom were foreigners.

After the accident, all the hydrofoils were repaired or upgraded, and were taken out of use. Some of them were later permitted to run the HCM City-Vung Tau route.-VNA

VNA

See more

Arrestees in the case (Photo: VNA)

Police bust international fraud ring, arresting 56 suspects

The criminal network orchestrated scams involving Bitcoin (BTC) investments through the UniSat app and fraudulent TikTok-related tasks. Operating across multiple countries, the scheme inflicted significant financial losses on numerous victims.

Truong Huy San (Photo: Ministry of Public Security)

Man prosecuted for abuse of freedom, democracy rights

Truong Huy San, 64, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, has been prosecuted for “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate interests of the State, rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals” under Article 331 of the Penal Code.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam conducts citizen protection in Japan assault

The labour management board at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan on February 12 contacted labour unions to gather updates and implement citizen protection measures for a Vietnamese worker who was assaulted by a Japanese national.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Viet Hung meets with the OVs in Sakaeo province, Thailand. (Photo: VNA)

OVs in Thailand preserve cultural legacy

The Vietnamese community in Sakaeo province, Thailand has maintained traditional practices, from wearing Ao dai (traditional long dress) during major celebrations to preserving authentic cooking methods, heard a recent meeting between Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Viet Hung and the overseas Vietnamese (OV) as part of the diplomat’s visit to the locality.