Southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province’s first steel vessel built under a Government decree supporting fisheries development is set to go on its maiden voyage on May 26th.

The logistics ship, BV 99999 TS, owned by Gia Han Fishery Logistics Co. Ltd, will carry fuel and basics for fishing vessels at sea, said Tran Phong Ba – Director of Gia Han company.

The vessel, 54m long and 10m wide, is equipped with two 822CV engines and modern facilities such as radar, the global positioning system, and digital map.

A steel-hulled boat. Photo: VNA

It is able to carry 400 tons of seafood, 100 cu.m. of fresh water, and 250 tons of diesel oil.

The ship was built at a cost of VND 35 billion (USD 1.66 million), VND 30 billion of which was loaned under concessional terms by the Ba Ria-Vung Tau branch of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam.

The Government’s Decree 67/2014/ND-CP, taking effect from August 25th last year, provides basic policies to encourage fishermen build high-capacity and steel ships capable of fishing offshore, a practice that could earn fishermen higher incomes and at the same time contribute to protecting the country’s territorial waters.

As many as 2,079 new off-shore fishing ships and 205 logistics ships will be built under the Decree, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Source: VNA