Grand Pioneers Cruises – Leading the sustainable tourism in Ha Long bay
In response to Vietnam’s “Green Transformation for Sustainable Development” initiative in tourism and the protection of the natural heritage of Ha Long Bay, Viet Thuan Transport Company has invested in and launched two flagship cruise ships, Grand Pioneers I and II.
Grand Pioneers I and II are modern, safe, and environmentally friendly cruise ships that not only pioneer the mission of developing the marine tourism industry but also contribute to the sustainable preservation of the environmental landscape and ecosystem of Ha Long Bay.
The pair of cruise ships were completely built at Ha Long Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. With a length (Lmax) of 109.99 meters, a width (Bmax) of 18.68 meters, and a capacity of up to 320 passengers, currently, the Grand Pioneers are the two largest tourist ships in the waters of Vietnam. A notable feature is that these super cruises have been certified VR-SB, meeting the conditions for voyages through Vietnam’s coastal waters.
The Grand Pioneers feature a luxurious and robust design, with bold lines on the hull that convey a strong and sturdy yet subtle and agile sensation, reminiscent of waves. The design excels in openness, with spacious sundecks and large balconies or windows in each cabin, providing ideal views for passengers to fully appreciate the beauty of Ha Long Bay right from their accommodations.
The two cruises are equipped with 15ppm oil-water separators, in compliance with Annex IV of Marpol 73/78 regulations on wastewater. These separators are imported from HAN YOUNG (South Korea), certified by KR (Korean Register) and VR (Vietnam Register), ensuring that oil treatment in wastewater meets international standards. The wastewater treatment equipment (Sea wage) also meets the requirements of Annex IV of Marpol 73/78. Additionally, to comply with Column A regulations of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, the ships have installed additional biofiltration systems (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria), enhancing environmental protection measures for marine ecosystems.
The super cruises are equipped with Daikin Chiller air conditioning systems from Japan, meeting the standards of international 5-6-star luxury cruise ships. The key difference lies in their operation: traditional air conditioning systems use gas to cool and directly discharge heat into the environment, whereas the Chiller system uses a refrigerant (water circulated through each space needing cooling via a pump system) with seawater acting as the heat exchange medium.
Additionally, the Chiller air conditioning system is optimized by a Building Management System (BMS) for more efficient management. This reduces the need for operational staff, automatically adjusts temperature and cooling spaces, and saves energy consumption by up to 30%.
With an investment value three to four times higher than conventional paints, Grand Pioneers is the sole cruise ship in Ha Long Bay using premium paint from International Paint (Netherlands). This environmentally-friendly paint is capable of anti-fouling through a self-polishing method, eliminating the need for harmful chemical release into the water environment. It is approved by developed countries and IMO standards. The freshwater paint used is free from harmful chemicals for human health.
Safety comes first
With a focus on placing people at the center, Grand Pioneers consistently prioritizes absolute safety for passengers and occupational safety for crew members. All outdoor deck areas are equipped with specialized materials designed specifically for modern yachts, ensuring non-slip surfaces and heat absorption capabilities that are only 60% compared to other materials. This ensures that passengers can walk barefoot on the deck without discomfort even when outdoor temperatures are at their highest.
Equipped with variable frequency drive for operational efficiency, and remotely controlled variable-pitch propellers from the helm, ensuring safe maneuverability and flexibility in busy maritime areas. The super yachts are constructed with twin-hull double-bottom technology, maximizing safety in emergencies. Grand Pioneers is the only yacht in Ha Long Bay equipped with two fully stocked lifeboats, including dry rations, flashlight, distress flares, ensuring maximum rescue capability during emergencies. Moreover, the yacht is equipped with 12 self-inflating life rafts for use in the event of a ship sinking.
The water supply system for onboard domestic use is guaranteed 100% through a filtration and softening process. The hot water system utilizes Heatpump technology, which ensures absolute electrical safety for passengers while saving 75% on electricity consumption. Particularly, the main engine and generator are genuine imports from YANMAR (Japan). These devices meet the emission standards for NOX concentration as specified in ANNEX VI, accredited by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and certified by reputable NK (Japan) and VR (Vietnam) authorities. The super yacht is VR certified for the safety of its systems and has been inspected and permitted by the Fire Department.
