The first phase of a project to build a deep-water port in Van Phong Bay was approved by the Ministry of Transport and the central Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee on May 19.

Under the four-phase project, the Van Phong International Trans-shipment Port will be constructed in an area of 50 hectares with two wharfs capable of receiving 6,000-TEU ships.

According to plan, more than VND2.9 trillion (roughly US$183.4 million) will be needed to carry out the first phase, which will last until 2010.