Starting March 28, a high-speed ferry with a capacity of 374 passengers will officially operate between central Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao, with a maximum of one trip per day.

Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, has approved the new water transport route linking Ho Chi Minh City with Con Dao District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province.

Phu Quy Express, operated by Thanh Thanh Phat Passenger Transport Company, will be used for this route. The ferry will depart at 11:30 AM from either Saigon Port (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) or Con Dao Passenger Port in Con Dao District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau.

The vessel is authorized to pick up and drop off passengers at multiple locations along the route, including Saigon Port (Ho Chi Minh City), Ben Dam Fishing Port, and Con Dao Passenger Port (Con Dao District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau).

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has instructed the operator to comply with all maritime safety regulations, fire prevention protocols, and environmental protection measures to ensure passenger safety. Additionally, the company must complete all necessary legal procedures, including fare declarations, before launching the service.

Last May, the department (then known as the Department of Transport and Public Works) previously granted Phu Quoc Express High-Speed Ferry Company a license to operate the Ho Chi Minh City–Con Dao route. However, the company ceased operations after just two months due to underwhelming passenger numbers, with occupancy rates falling below 50%.

Additionally, many passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the previous service, as the ferry departed from Saigon–Hiep Phuoc Port, nearly 20 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, causing inconvenience for travelers.

Tuan Kiet