The Government has assigned the Ministry of Transport to map out plans to build a North-South sea route for the express transportation of passengers.

The Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) has been designated to carry out the US$1.5 billion project under which it will build six ships for public transportation within the next five years.

Hon Gai Port in the northern province of Quang Ninh, Chan May port in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and Saigon Port in southern Ho Chi Minh City have been selected as sea transport links.