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The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Tour boats in Ha Long Bay to complete AIS installation by Aug 15
A cruise boat taing tourists on a scenic tour of Hạ Long Bay. VNA/VNS QUANG NINH: About 80 per cent of tour boats operating in northern Quang Ninh Province's Ha Long Bay have been equipped with AIS (Automatic Identification System) and positioning devices as of Aug 6, with full installation expected by Aug 15. AIS is an automatic tracking system that allows vessels to exchange information, including identity, location, direction, speed and other data, with other ships and onshore stations. According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety. On Aug 2, the provincial Department of Construction led an inter-agency inspection team to assess the effectiveness of AIS equipment on tour boats and identify additional temporary storm shelters on Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays. By integrating AIS with the existing VHF radio system (channel 16), authorities aim to ensure seamless communication and rapid response during emergencies. The provincial inland waterway port authority is set to inspect vessels' communication equipment before issuing departure clearances. In order to enhance safety for tourists visiting and staying overnight in Ha Long Bay, a Unesco-recognised natural heritage site, the Military Command of Quang Ninh Province has deployed a ship designated for medical service and two boats to conduct patrols on the bay around the clock, starting Aug 6. Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top Island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the vessels return to Tuan Châu Island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety of sightseeing boats and reinforcing tourists' confidence. Deputy Commander Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Sơn stated that each duty shift has six to eight personnel, including a communications team and a medical team. The medical ship is equipped with four stretchers, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment to be ready for search and rescue operations in the event of any unexpected incidents. In addition to the provincial Military Command, relevant authorities in the northern province have strengthened safety inspections at ports and wharves. Multiple task forces have been deployed to conduct closed-loop patrols along navigational routes, in coordination with port authorities. Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Construction has conducted unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with inland waterway traffic safety regulations on tourist boats while they are anchored at sightseeing spots awaiting passengers. The provincial People's Committee had previously held a working session with the Institute of Earth Sciences (under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) to implement the installation of an early warning system for meteorological phenomena like thunderstorms, tornadoes and rainstorms at key locations, particularly in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and coastal areas. This initiative plays an important role in ensuring the safety of people and vehicles engaged in tourism, and in supporting the overall socio-economic development of the province. Through these concrete efforts, Quang Ninh aims to safely welcome 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreigners. Total tourism revenue is expected to reach VNĐ50 trillion (US$1.9 billion). In the first six months of this year, the local tourism sector welcomed approximately 12.1 million visitors, including around 2.3 million foreigners. The province has also introduced a range of new tourism products, developed and expanded high-value, competitive services and continuously improved the quality of cruise services for Hạ Long Bay tours, with a strong focus on tightening safety standards. — Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Hanoi considers installing EV charging stations at parking lots
An EV charging station on Pham Ngọc Thạch Street in Hanoi. - VNA/VNS HANOI: Hanoi Parking Company has determined 40 parking lots located in the inner city qualify for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations as the city prepares to ban gasoline-powered motorbikes within Ring Road 1 starting July 2026. Nguyen Duc Vinh, the company's deputy director, said the company is managing over 150 parking lots. The city targets to have at least 10 per cent of its current parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations. He said the most crucial factor is the electrical infrastructure. 'If the electricity provider confirms that they can supply the necessary infrastructure and specifies the capacity for how many charging posts can be supported, then we can proceed. But if the power company shakes its head, there's nothing we can do,' he said. After discussions with V-Green Global Charging Station Development Joint Stock Company, two options have been proposed. Either V Green will handle 100 per cent of the installation, or the Hanoi Parking Company will cover all. These two options are being considered, and only one will be chosen for implementation, director Vinh said. He said the company will survey locations within large premises to report to the city's Department of Construction and the municipal People's Committee for approval to proceed. For charging stations on roadsides and sidewalks, it will depend on the Department of Construction and local authorities. The selected locations are assessed to be spacious enough to serve as both parking lots for motorbikes and cars and as EV charging stations. Among 40 potential parking lots, four are located within Ring Road 1. Two stations are expected to be installed in cooperation with V Green in August over a 500-metre-long section of Tran Khat Chan Street from the Bach Mai intersection to the Lac Nghiep intersection and the empty lot in front of the Vietnam National Shipping Lines headquarters at No.1 Dao Duy Anh Street. The other two locations on De La Thanh and at Kim-Ma-Cau Giay intersection are affected by the Ring Road 1 expansion project, so construction must wait until the project is completed to determine if land is still available. Previously, V Green had already installed 20 charging stations capable of charging 40 vehicles simultaneously at the parking lot at 133 Dich Vọng Street. According to Directive No. 20 dated July 12, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered Hanoi to implement a roadmap to ban fossil-fuel-powered motorbikes in the city's Ring Road 1, starting mid-2026 and to expand low-emission zones citywide by 2030. There are now approximately 600,000 residents living within Ring Road 1 and nearly 450,000 gasoline-powered motorbikes within the area. Local authorities are studying policies to support residents in converting from gasoline motorbikes to electric motorbikes. — Vietnam News/ANN
Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Straits Times
Ho Chi Minh City takes action to mitigate impact of storm Wipha
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have taken proactive measures to cope with the effects of Storm No 3, internationally known as Wipha. HO CHI MINH CITY - The authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have taken proactive measures to cope with the effects of Storm No 3, internationally known as Wipha , which is bringing strong winds and rain to southern coastal provinces from Lam Dong to Ca Mau, including Ho Chi Minh City. According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Centre, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to experience variable cloud cover with intermittent sunshine during the day, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. There is a risk of lightning and whirlwinds, which could pose a threat to both people and property. In response, the municipal People's Committee chairman Nguyen Van Duoc has issued urgent instructions to departments, agencies, and the local authorities to implement preventive measures, prepare detailed response plans, and mobilise equipment and personnel to deal with potential impacts. Coastal areas and localities, including Con Dao Island, have been directed to ensure the safety of people and vessels operating in rivers and at sea. The authorities must closely monitor the storm's development, regularly update its trajectory, and promptly notify vessel owners of any changes. The city's armed forces, including the city Command, Police, Maritime Administration, and Border Guard units, have been placed on standby for quick deployment of rescue personnel, vehicles and equipment in case of emergencies. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Miscalculation of MOH subsidies and grants led to $7m in overpayments, $2m in shortfalls Asia Indonesia on high alert as dry weather fans forest, peatland fires in Sumatra Singapore 2 charged over alleged role in posting bail for man who later absconded Singapore Teen charged after allegedly selling vaporisers, advertising e-cigarettes on WhatsApp Singapore Changi Airport handles 17.5 million passengers in Q2 2025 Singapore 2,500 turtles seized in India and sent back to S'pore, put down humanely after salmonella detected Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The city's Department of Construction has instructed relevant units to carry out urgent tree pruning to reduce the risk of falling trees due to strong winds and heavy rain. The Ho Chi Minh City Green Park Company Limited has been assigned to respond promptly to tree-related incidents. Meanwhile, the city's Department of Culture and Sports is working closely with the Department of Construction to inspect and reinforce billboards and outdoor signage to prevent accidents caused by high winds. The city has also advised against organising outdoor events such as music shows and stage performances during this period. Tourist boat operations have also been temporarily suspended under adverse weather conditions. The city's Department of Tourism and Saigontourist Group have directed boat operators to strictly inspect safety equipment and ensure all measures are in place before departure once conditions allow resumption of services. A sudden downpour around noon on July 20 caused a large tree to fall on Tran Quang Dieu Street, damaging property. No injuries were reported. The authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding or with large roadside trees. In addition, media outlets have been asked to provide frequent and accurate updates on the storm's progress and to disseminate official guidance and instructions from the authorities, helping residents stay informed and prepared. Typhoon Wipha, the third storm to form in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) in 2025, is expected to cause adverse weather conditions across the southern region. The city leaders have stressed the importance of community awareness and timely response to minimise potential losses and ensure public safety. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
