The second phase of Soai Rap River dredging project was inaugurated on June 21 to permit large vessels from the sea to enter Hiep Phuoc Port Complex in Ho Chi Minh City.
Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Secretary Le Thanh Hai and Deputy Ambassador of Belgium in Vietnam Geert Vansintjan attended the inauguration ceremony.
The 54 kilometer route begins from the sea and ends at Saigon Premier Container Terminal--SPCT in Hiep Phuoc Industrial Zone.
The dreding project was approved by the city People’s Committee on April 20, 2012 with total capital of VND2,797 billion, which Belgium financed EUR76 million and the remaining VND642 billion was from the city budget.
Besides economic purpose, the project also contributes in national defense and protection of national sovereignty over sea and islands, said Deputy PM Hai.
He instructed authorized agencies to continue helping HCMC develop the marine transportation system to connect with seaports in the Asian region and apply advanced transportation technology.
After being dredged, Soai Rap River route now permits large vessels to enter Hiep Phuoc Port Complex, facilitating evacuation of seaports from the city center to reduce traffic jam and environment pollution.
The city will study the third phase to dredge deeper the Soai Rap River to the depth of 11.5-12m for 70,000 ton vessels.
