The boat runs four trips daily and has a capacity for nearly 300 passengers. The 35-minute trip costs VND185,000 for local people and VND218,000 for non-locals.
According to the investor, Phu Quoc Express Company, the boat was designed following European standards with the engines imported from Germany. It served in the welcoming activities of the US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in Danang before being taken to Sa Ky Port.
Sa Ky - Ly Son is an important waterway in Quang Ngai which connects Ly Son Island and the mainland. Before the Phu Quoc Express 5, there were six speedboats operating on this route including Super Bien Dong, Super 2 Bien Dong, Hoa Binh Express, Hoa Binh Express 2, An Vinh Express, and Chin Nghia 09.
It is expected that two more boats will be launched on this route in the coming time, which can transport a total of 3,000 passengers daily.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Party Secretary of Ly Son District People's Committee, Nguyen Minh Tri, said that the launching of new boats will create competition which can help improve boat services and reduce ticket prices.
Ly Son received some 60,000 visitors in the first half of this year, an increase of 134 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the Ly Son District People's Committee.
