Ha Long City authorities have suspended the licenses of 36 cruise ships and 15 crew members working on the Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays so far this year.

Cruise ships in Ha Long Bay. 

At a recent meeting with the provincial people's committee, Ha Long City's authorities also reported that they had given the deadline for the upgrade of 70 other cruise ships which were built before 2002, and ordered 41 vessels to cease operation.

In August alone, 20 ships were suspended for failing to install automatic fire alarm systems in their engine rooms, as required by the local authorities. Of the 20 suspended ships, two are operated by Son Tung Travel and Trade Co., Ltd; two by Quyet Thanh Dat Tourism Service Investment Co., Ltd; and two by Pham Nang Minh, a resident of Ha Long. 

According to the province’s regulations, every cruise ship operating in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays must have a surveillance camera installed in its engine room and a screen in the cabin by June 25. Fire extinguishers and automatic fire alarm systems have to be added by August 5.

The city government asked the owners of the cruise ships to promptly comply with the requirement to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays. 

According to the Ha Long City People's Committee, there are now 504 cruise ships and 68 canoes operating on Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of Quang Ninh Province People's Committee, Nguyen Duc Long stressed that the number of cruise fleet on the bays should not be increased while the old wooden ships should gradually be replaced by new steel boats. 

The provincial leader also asked Ha Long City to build a tourist centre in Tuan Chau International Port.

Dtinews