The People’s Committee of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh have decided to terminate the loading and discharge activities, as well as the transport of clinker, cement and wood chip on Ha Long Bay due to concerns over environmental pollution.

Under the decision No. 617/QD-UBND, transportation of bulk cargo, such as clinker, cement and wood chip is to be terminated as of 1 July 2016. The transportation of these commodities will instead be conducted at Hon Net port on Bai Tu Long Bay.

The provincial People Committee earlier also proposed the government stop the second phases of two cement plants, namely Thang Long 2 and Ha Long, due to the environmental effect on Ha Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay, which spans 1553km2 and comprises 1969 islands of various sizes, has been twice recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both in 1994 and 2000. (Source: Vietnam News Brief Service)