Three catamarans shuttling between the southern beach city of Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City have been officially put into operation after a week of pilot testing.

Ho Chi Minh City-based Greenlines DP Company began services of the three twin-hull boats on Wednesday, which carry passengers between the two cities.

The catamarans are scheduled to depart at three designated times per day during weekdays from Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City and Cau Da Port on Ha Long Street in Vung Tau.

An extra trip is added each day on weekends to meet the demand of travelers.

According to a representative of the shipbuilder, the catamarans are made of light, durable material imported from the United States.

Each of the ships runs on two German engines that are fuel-efficient and enable the boats to run at high velocity, the representative added.

The three boats are estimated to travel from one destination to another in about an hour and 15 minutes under normal weather conditions.

Each of the brand new catamarans cost about US$1 million, according to the representative.

Passengers will be charged VND250,000 ($11.22) per trip, with people over 62 years old having to pay only VND180,000 ($8), news website VnExpress reported.

Children from six to 11 are to pay VND120,000 ($5.39) while those under six years old ride free.

The boats are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and air-conditioners, the online newspaper added.

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