Accordingly, the project will involve construction, upgradation and expansion of 20 inland waterway ports with auxiliary facilities to serve port operations, covering a land area of over 15 hectares. In addition, parks will be built behind 11 of these ports, with total estimated land area of more than 25 hectares.
The project aims to offer inland waterway tourism services, developing new tourism products such as tours, dining, and entertainment services on board to attract tourists to the waterway tourism.
Apart from its main purpose of serving inland waterway tourism, the system of ports and inland waterway terminals will also serve as pick-up and drop-off points, docking areas for boats and ships, and public water transport services, which is expected to help ease road traffic congestion and diversify passenger transportation options.
Under the approved policy, investors will purchase passenger boats for inland waterway tourism, prioritising clean fuel and green energy vessels that are environmentally friendly, with capacities ranging from 100–300 passengers per boat and 300–500 passengers per boat.
The project will be carried out in two phases with three component projects: Phase 1 (2025–2030) will carry out construction of seven inland waterway ports along the Han River, from Thuan Phuoc Bridge to Tien Son Bridge. This phase also includes developing landscape parks, procuring vessels, and organising river-based art performances.
Phase 2 (2028–2031) will include two component projects. The component project 2 will build nine ports along Vinh Dien and Co Co Rivers; the component project 3 will develop four ports along Cam Le River.
Capital mobilisation and basic construction for each phase must be completed within three years from the date investors are allocated land. During this time, investors must complete all procedures related to planning, land use, environment, investment guarantee deposits, and make regular progress reports.
Previously, the Da Nang Department of Construction issued a notice to invite investors and inland waterway transport businesses to invest in modern, high-end passenger vessels to operate inland waterway tourism services in the city. The business plan must specify the type of transport business, the operational scope of the vessels, mooring plans, departure port and final destination, general vessel descriptions, and written agreements or contracts with inland waterway port and terminal management units allowing vessels to pick up and drop off passengers.
