Con Dao Express 36 High-Speed Ferry

Con Dao Express 36 is a modern high-speed catamaran with a capacity of 598 passengers, developed for passenger transportation between mainland Vietnam and Con Dao Island. Owned by Phu Quoc Fast Ferry Joint Stock Company (Phu Quoc Express), the vessel features an aluminum-alloy hull, four Rolls-Royce MTU engines and a maximum design speed of 35 knots.

Launched in November 2018 and introduced on the Vung Tau – Con Dao route in February 2019, Con Dao Express 36 was recognized as Vietnam’s largest high-speed passenger catamaran at the time of its introduction.

The vessel has also been associated with services on the Tran De – Con Dao ferry route, providing an important connection between the Mekong Delta and Con Dao Island.

Overview of Con Dao Express 36

Con Dao Express 36 was constructed by Shipbuilding Company 189 in Hai Phong, Vietnam. The vessel was built to meet Vietnamese technical standards for high-speed passenger craft, with a design focused on passenger comfort, operational efficiency and transportation across coastal waters.

Its distinctive twin-hull construction provides a spacious passenger cabin and supports vessel stability under suitable operating conditions.

With a length of nearly 47 meters and a maximum width of 12.2 meters, Con Dao Express 36 represented a significant development in Vietnam’s high-speed maritime passenger transport sector.

General vessel information

Specification	Details
Vessel name	CON DAO EXPRESS 36
Vessel type	High-speed passenger catamaran
IMO number	9879600
Classification number	VR194316
Call sign	XVHD3
Original administrative registration	SG-PAS-002781-2
Original registered owner	Phu Quoc Fast Ferry Joint Stock Company
Flag	Vietnam
Port of registry	Saigon
Shipbuilder	Shipbuilding Company 189
Place of construction	Hai Phong, Vietnam
Launch date	November 22, 2018
Shipyard hull number	189-4212.K31
Hull material	Aluminum alloy
Passenger capacity	598 passengers

The IMO number 9879600 is the vessel’s international identification number and can be used to distinguish Con Dao Express 36 from other high-speed ferries operating in Vietnam.

Technical Specifications of Con Dao Express 36

Dimensions and capacity

Con Dao Express 36 is designed with a lightweight aluminum-alloy hull and twin-hull configuration. Its main technical characteristics are summarized below.

Technical specification	Value
Length overall (LOA)	46.85 m
Registered length	43.60 m
Maximum beam	12.20 m
Registered beam	11.38 m
Moulded depth	4.25 m
Draft	1.60 m
Summer freeboard	2,404 mm
Gross tonnage (GT)	680
Net tonnage (NT)	250
Full-load displacement	248.4 tonnes
Lightship weight	198.94 tonnes
Deadweight	49.4 tonnes
Watertight transverse bulkheads	4
Continuous decks	1
Engine room location	Aft
Passenger capacity	598

These figures reflect the vessel’s published technical particulars. Current registration and classification records should be consulted for any subsequent modifications.

Engines and maximum speed

One of the most notable features of Con Dao Express 36 is its propulsion system.

The vessel is equipped with four Rolls-Royce MTU 12V4000M53 engines, delivering a combined power output of approximately 7,404 horsepower.

The main performance characteristics include:

• Maximum design speed: 35 knots, approximately 65 km/h.
• Propulsion: Four Rolls-Royce MTU marine engines.
• Hull design: High-speed twin-hull catamaran.
• Construction material: Aluminum alloy.

The powerful engines enable Con Dao Express 36 to significantly reduce travel time on routes connecting mainland Vietnam with Con Dao Island.

Actual operating speed varies according to weather conditions, sea state, passenger load and operational requirements.

Twin-hull catamaran design

Unlike conventional single-hull passenger vessels, Con Dao Express 36 features two parallel hulls connected by a common superstructure.

This design offers several advantages for maritime passenger transportation:

• Spacious passenger accommodation with clearly organized seating areas.
• Improved stability characteristics under appropriate operating conditions.
• Efficient high-speed performance.
• Comfortable seating and circulation space for passengers.
• A design suited to medium-distance coastal ferry services.

However, no high-speed ferry can completely eliminate seasickness. Passengers who are sensitive to motion should take appropriate precautions, particularly during periods of rough seas.

Passenger Cabins and Seating Classes

Con Dao Express 36 can accommodate up to 598 passengers. Its passenger facilities were developed to serve both tourists and residents traveling between the mainland and Con Dao.

The main ticket categories commonly offered on Phu Quoc Express services are Economy (ECO) and VIP, although the available seating configuration may vary by vessel and departure.

Economy Class (ECO)

Economy Class provides standard passenger seating and is suitable for travelers seeking an affordable high-speed ferry journey.

Passengers can expect designated seating inside an enclosed passenger cabin, with shared aisles and onboard facilities.

VIP Class

VIP Class is designed for passengers seeking additional comfort and upgraded seating amenities.

The exact benefits and seat configuration depend on the vessel operating the selected departure.

Travelers are advised to verify their ticket category and seat assignment before booking.

Con Dao Express 36 Ferry Routes

Vung Tau – Con Dao: The original service

Con Dao Express 36 officially began passenger operations on the Vung Tau – Con Dao route on February 15, 2019.

The service connected Cau Da Port in Vung Tau with Ben Dam Port on Con Dao Island, providing a faster maritime connection than traditional passenger vessels available at that time.

The original operating schedule was:

Route	Original departure time
Vung Tau → Con Dao	08:00
Con Dao → Vung Tau	13:30

The planned journey time was approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Important: These departure times are historical information from the 2019 launch period. They should not be treated as the current ferry timetable.

Passengers planning to travel from Vung Tau to Con Dao should verify whether services are operating on their intended travel date.

Tran De – Con Dao Ferry Route

Con Dao Express 36 has also been associated with the Tran De – Con Dao route, connecting the Mekong Delta region with Con Dao Island.

Tran De Port serves as a departure point for travelers from Soc Trang, Can Tho and other Mekong Delta destinations.

Ferries on this route generally arrive at Ben Dam Port, the main passenger port serving Con Dao Island.

Journey times typically range from approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, although certain vessels and services may have different scheduled durations.

Please note: The vessel assigned to the Tran De – Con Dao route may vary. Not every departure is operated by Con Dao Express 36.

Tran De – Con Dao Ferry Schedule

Passengers can check the latest published departure information for Tran De to Con Dao and Con Dao to Tran De using the automatically updated schedule below.

The timetable displays available route information by travel date and direction, helping passengers plan their journeys in advance.

Schedule notice: Ferry services are subject to operational adjustments, weather conditions and vessel availability. The timetable covers the route rather than departures exclusively operated by Con Dao Express 36. Please confirm the ferry operator, departure port and sailing time before traveling.

For more information, visit:

• Tran De – Con Dao Ferry Schedule
• Tran De Port: Ferry Terminal for Con Dao
• Con Dao Ferry Schedules

Con Dao Express 36 Ferry Ticket Prices

Ferry ticket prices depend on the selected route, travel date, seating class and the operator’s current fare policy.

Indicative Tran De – Con Dao ferry fares

The following fares are published as reference prices for the Tran De – Con Dao route on Taucaotoc.vn as of November 3, 2026.

Ticket category	Weekdays	Weekends
Economy (ECO)	VND 390,000	VND 450,000
VIP	VND 590,000	VND 590,000

All fares are quoted in Vietnamese dong (VND) per passenger, one way.

These are indicative route fares and may not apply to every ferry operator or departure. Final prices and seat availability must be confirmed before ticket issuance.

Historical Vung Tau – Con Dao ferry fares

When Con Dao Express 36 was introduced in February 2019, the published launch fares were:

• Economy Class: VND 660,000 per passenger, one way.
• VIP Class: VND 1,200,000 per passenger, one way.

These figures are provided for historical reference only and should not be used as current ticket prices.

How to Book Con Dao Ferry Tickets

Passengers can check schedules and submit ferry booking requests through Taucaotoc.vn.

Step 1: Select your ferry route

Choose the appropriate departure and arrival ports, such as Tran De – Con Dao or Con Dao – Tran De.

Step 2: Choose your travel date

Check the published sailing schedule for your intended date and select a suitable departure.

Step 3: Review ticket information

Check the available seating categories, indicative fares and any special conditions applicable to your journey.

Step 4: Enter passenger details

Provide accurate passenger information, including your full name and the identification details required for travel.

International travelers should ensure that their passport information matches their travel documents.

Step 5: Submit your booking request

Submit your booking request and wait for confirmation of the sailing, ticket price and seat availability.

A successful booking request is not the same as a confirmed or issued ticket.

Check Con Dao Ferry Schedules and Request Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions About Con Dao Express 36

How many passengers can Con Dao Express 36 carry?

Con Dao Express 36 has a designed passenger capacity of 598 people, making it one of the notable large high-speed passenger catamarans introduced in Vietnam.

How fast is Con Dao Express 36?

The vessel has a maximum design speed of 35 knots, equivalent to approximately 65 km/h. Actual speed depends on weather and operational conditions.

Is Con Dao Express 36 a catamaran?

Yes. Con Dao Express 36 is a twin-hull high-speed catamaran built with an aluminum-alloy hull.

Does Con Dao Express 36 operate between Vung Tau and Con Dao?

The vessel originally operated on this route from February 2019. Current service availability must be checked against the published ferry schedule, as routes and vessel assignments can change.

How long does the ferry take from Tran De to Con Dao?

The journey commonly takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the ferry, operating conditions and published schedule.

Can passengers experience seasickness on Con Dao Express 36?

Yes. Although the catamaran design supports vessel stability, passengers may still experience seasickness, particularly during rough sea conditions.

What is the IMO number of Con Dao Express 36?

The vessel’s IMO number is 9879600. Its published classification number is VR194316, and its call sign is XVHD3.

Where can I check Con Dao ferry schedules and ticket prices?

Passengers can visit Taucaotoc.vn to review published ferry schedules, indicative fares and booking request information for services connecting mainland Vietnam with Con Dao Island.

Conclusion

Con Dao Express 36 is an important milestone in the development of high-speed ferry transportation in Vietnam. With its 598-passenger capacity, four Rolls-Royce MTU engines and modern twin-hull construction, the vessel helped introduce faster and more comfortable sea travel to Con Dao Island.

Whether you are researching the vessel or planning a trip to Con Dao, checking the latest ferry schedule and ticket information is essential.

Visit Taucaotoc.vn for updated route information, indicative ticket prices and ferry booking assistance.