December 03, 2008

Vinalines to invest USD 3 billion on fleet, ports and logistics

VietNamNet Bridge reported that Vietnam National Shipping Lines will invest USD 3 billion on upgrading its fleet, building ports and developing its logistics workforce by 2010. The corporation intends to build 32 new freighters and buy second hand, foreign made ones to increase fleet capacity by 1.4 million tonnes.

The report added that the plan also includes developing 11 key infrastructure projects, including building the Van Phong international seaport in central Khanh Hoa province, the first deep water port in Vietnam with an annual cargo capacity of 300 million tonnes.

It said that Vinalines will construct a port in Lach Huyen in the northern province of Hai Phong and Hiep Phuoc in Ho Chi Minh City and expand Tien Sa port in central Da Nang city and Ben Dinh-Sao Mai port in southern Vung Tau province. In an effort to diversify services, the shipping giant plans to change Nha Rong port in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city's Han River port into tourist ports.

The corporation will also build three transport logistics centres in the north, south and centre. Additionally, investments cover constructing facilities such as oil tanks and petrol ports in southern Dong Nai province and northern Quang Ninh province, as well as shipyards in Ba Ria Vung Tau, Quang Ninh and Haiphong provinces.