Quang Ninh plans 500 Billion VND fishing port along Ha Long Bay

Loc An fishing port in Quang Ninh. Photo credit: Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa

This new port, situated in Ha Phong Ward, is part of a broader plan to upgrade Vietnam’s fishing infrastructure and provide storm shelters for fishing boats. The project is in line with the national master plan for fishing ports and storm shelters from 2021-2030, with a long-term vision toward 2050, which has already been approved by the Prime Minister.

The total investment for the Ha Phong Fishing Port is projected at 500 billion VND. While the city plans to contribute a portion of the budget, it also hopes to secure financial assistance from the central government. The port will not only provide facilities for the local fishing industry but will also include a fishing logistics service area and a storm shelter.

The urgency of this project has increased following the severe damage caused by Super Typhoon No. 3. For local fishermen, the new port will provide much-needed stability, enabling safer fishing operations and a more reliable source of income. Beyond its immediate practical use, the port is also expected to support the development of fishing village tourism in the area, creating a unique experience for visitors to explore and engage with the local fishing community.

Once completed, the Ha Phong Fishing Port will offer significant benefits. It will enhance the local landscape and centralize seafood trading activities in Ha Long City, ensuring better environmental hygiene while creating an attraction for tourists. The port is designed to accommodate hundreds of boats at once, providing a secure shelter during stormy weather. Currently, the existing Ha Phong fishing village port is a narrow, heavily silted channel, making it difficult for boats to navigate, especially during low tides.

In addition to functioning as a fishing port and storm shelter, Ha Phong Fishing Port has the potential to become a key asset for the city’s tourism industry. Located right next to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area has vast potential for developing fishing village tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience the traditional fishing lifestyle up close.

Despite widespread support for the project, including from local fishermen who have long requested the dredging of the existing port, progress has been slow. The primary obstacle is securing sufficient funding. Although Quang Ninh Province has expressed its intention to push forward with the port’s construction, overcoming financial challenges remains a significant hurdle.

If realized, the Ha Phong Fishing Port could become a critical infrastructure hub that boosts both the local fishing industry and tourism, solidifying its role as an essential part of Ha Long City’s economic and cultural landscape.

VFM