The fastest and largest catamaran passenger ferry to begin operations in Vietnam was officially launched on Thursday in the northern city of Hai Phong.

The two-hulled watercraft, the Con Dao Express 36, was built in line with European standards by a Vietnamese military-run enterprise.

Its design guarantees stability against waves and can offer a relatively pleasant experience to those prone to seasickness.

With four Rolls-Royce engines whose collective power is 7,400 horsepower, it can cruise at the maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour – the fastest of Vietnam’s fast ferries.

Catamaran ferry Con Dao Express 36 lies at the shipyard in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Catamaran ferry Con Dao Express 36 lies at the shipyard in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The catamaran is scheduled to start operating in the first quarter of next year.

It will ply between terminals at the southern Vietnamese provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Soc Trang and the tourist islands of Con Dao.

It will take just about three hours to complete a journey between Ba Ria-Vung Tau and the island, which is around 180 kilometers away.

The vehicle, 47 meters wide and 12.2 meters long, can carry 600 passengers – double the capacity of the five catamaran ferries currently in operation in Vietnam.

It has a double-decker cabin with a soundproof floor and seating options for economy, premium economy, and VIP classes.

Seats in Con Dao Express 36’s cabin. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Catamaran ferry Con Dao Express 36’s control panel. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The VIP seats are equipped with screens for entertainment and can recline 120 degrees.

A journey between the Tran De terminal in Soc Trang Province and the Con Dao Islands may cost VND320,000-520,000 ($14-22) per passenger while fares for a journey from Ba Ria-Vung Tau to the islands or vice versa are VND660,000-1,200,000 ($28- 52).

Accompanied children who are under six years old or shorter than 1.2 meters are waived.

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