Visitors to Ha Long Bay will have to head to the new marina at Tuan Chau Island as boats will terminate operations at Bai Chay Port by January 1, 2016.
Boats are moving to Tuan Chau Marina
All the boats, ferries and cruises operating at Bai Chay Port will move to Tuan Chau Marina, which is about 5.5 kilometres away.
Bai Chay hosts up to 500 boats at the wharf in the evening, while its official capacity is 300. The over-crowding has also been blamed for leaked waste and oil from boats. Meanwhile the port lacks sufficient facilities to protect boats from storms.
Chairman Le Quang Tung of Quang Ninh Province's People's Committee, said they would not issue more permits for boats to enter Bai Chay Port and would shut down the port from 2016.
According to the Department of Transport, 160 companies and boat owners have signed contracts to dock at Tuan Chau Marina and over 400 vessels are being moved to new location. Individuals and organisations are being offered free docking services for the first six months. Tourism vessels will be given discounted logistic services.
The Transport Department will collaborate with other agencies to open new bus routes for tourists to the marina. Provincial Chairman Tung ordered the Tuan Chau Corporation to quickly deal with any complaints from boat owners such as the lack of waiting areas for visitors.
The USD454bn Tuan Chau Marina entered operation in October. It covers 200 hectares and can host 2,000 vessels.