He continued by saying operators would have until the end of 2021 to replace their vessels with steel ones that complied with models authorised by the transport department. This new ruling supersedes an earlier one that reduced the permitted age of wooden boats from 25 to 15 years.
Vu Van Khanh explained that saltwater plus the powerful winds that swept across Halong Bay caused wooden hulls to rot and develop cracks. He noted that these factors would not be issues with vessels made from steel.
On 1 January, Quang Ninh banned cruise boats from using the normal departure piers at Bai Chay as they had become dilapidated from overuse and lack of maintenance. Halong Bay has almost 2,000 islets and soaring limestone rocks. The bay’s natural beauty led to it being listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site more than 20 years ago.
Local authorities increase safety for Halong Bay tour boats
News in Asia
Officials in Quang Ninh have announced a change in regulations designed to improve safety for passengers taking boat cruises around Halong Bay. Vu Van Khanh is the North Vietnamese Province’s transport-officer and he told reporters that wooden-hulled boats will be phased out and replaced with steel ones.