Built in 2002, Sheng Li was registered under the flag of Togo with its home port in Lome. The ship measures 52m long, 8.5m wide, has a deadweight of 1,200 tonnes and was designed as a refrigerated cargo vessel.
Around two years ago, Sheng Li drifted at sea before being towed by authorities to anchor at the storm shelter area of Ben Dam Port, where it has remained.
During its time at Ben Dam Port, the vessel drew attention when a proposal suggested sinking it to create a coral-diving attraction. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, however, rejected the idea as inconsistent with current legal regulations.
The ship was later successfully auctioned and handed over to the winning bidder. Under auction rules, the new owner is only permitted to dismantle the vessel for scrap materials and is prohibited from modifying or using it for any other purpose.
According to auction organisers, Sheng Li’s hull is old, severely rusted and heavily damaged. Inside the ship are six connected cargo holds, one main engine, two auxiliary engines, an aged rusted generator and a propeller.
Most of the time, Sheng Li remains grounded and only floats at high tide. Its surface paint has faded, metal components are oxidised and underwater sections are covered in marine growth.
Despite being anchored at port for only about two years, the ship has left a strong impression on many visitors to Con Dao.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, travel photographer Vo Dang Dung said the derelict vessel became unexpectedly popular on TikTok after he shot a wedding photo collection featuring the ship in March.
Dung said many tourists have shown interest in the vessel. During peak season, he is fully booked with photo sessions at the ship. One tourism company even created a SUP-paddling tour to view the abandoned vessel.
Because of its appeal, Dung and many local tourism operators expressed disappointment that the vessel will ultimately be sold for scrap.
At the end of October, the winning bidder arrived to begin removal preparations. A crew has since been cleaning waste and dredging sand to open a channel for towing the ship out of port.