Viet Thuan Group Launches Construction of a New Halong Bay Cruise Ship with Safety Standards Four Times Higher Than Maritime Regulations

On September 14, 2025, in Ha Long, Viet Thuan Transport Co. — the proud owner of the twin eco-cruises Grand Pioneers — officially began construction of a brand-new day cruise ship. With capacity for 99 passengers, this cruise sets a new benchmark, built with safety standards four times higher than current maritime regulations.

Safety Standards Beyond Expectations

The new cruise, named Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises, is crafted with a modern twin-hull design measuring 46 meters in length and 14.6 meters in width. Powered by two main engines with a combined 1,300 horsepower, it can welcome up to 99 guests along with 13 crew and service staff, ensuring both comfort and attentive hospitality. Classified as VR-SB, Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises is licensed to operate within 12 nautical miles of the coast, under conditions of winds up to level 5 on the Beaufort scale and waves of up to 2 meters — making it a reliable companion for safe and scenic journeys on Ha Long Bay.

Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises — a VR-SB certified cruise ship with capacity for 99 guests.

What makes Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises truly stand out is its safety index K, rated at 4 — four times higher than standard maritime requirements and far exceeding Quang Ninh’s current safety regulations for tourist cruises on Ha Long Bay (as outlined in Official Dispatch No. 4510/SGTVT-QLVT&PT dated September 18, 2019, which requires a coefficient of just 1.5). The ship features multiple watertight compartments and a double-bottom hull, offering passengers maximum peace of mind while exploring the bay. With a total investment of over VND 60 billion, Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruise is expected to set sail in the first quarter of 2026, joining the "The Legacy Journey" route alongside the twin Grand Pioneers cruises.

Green Growth Mindset

Mr. Luong The Tuyen, Associate Director of Viet Thuan Transport Co., shared:
“Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises is not just another cruise ship — it represents Viet Thuan’s commitment to safety, green development, and sustainability. Our goal is to offer travelers a truly fulfilling and worry-free experience on the bay, while at the same time affirming our responsibility to preserve this natural heritage for generations to come.”

Viet Thuan Group commenced construction of the Explora by Grand Pioneers Cruises on the morning of September 14.

This marks a new milestone building on the success of Grand Pioneers — a brand already honored as the World’s Best Green Cruise Line, Vietnam’s Most Luxurious New Cruise, and one of the Top 10 Green Enterprises in Vietnam in 2024.

Strengthening the No.1 Position in Bulk and General Cargo Shipping

On the same day, September 14, Viet Thuan Group also launched the bulk carrier Viet Thuan 26-01 with a capacity of 26,000 DWT, part of an ambitious project of eight unrestricted international vessels totaling over VND 2,600 billion in investment. With a fleet exceeding 1.5 million tons, Viet Thuan proudly reinforces its position as Vietnam’s number one in maritime transport, while at the same time expanding into tourism, hospitality, and community services.

Viet Thuan Group continues to strengthen its No.1 position in bulk, dry, and general cargo shipping.

By 2030, Viet Thuan aims to build a fleet surpassing 2 million tons, maintaining its number one position in Vietnam’s maritime transport of bulk, dry, and general cargo. Beyond contributing to stabilizing freight rates and safeguarding national maritime security, the company also envisions opening new heritage cruise routes along the Vietnamese coastline. In other sectors, Viet Thuan will continue to strengthen, refine, and expand its footprint in tourism, hospitality, and community-focused services such as healthcare and wellness.