This is a crucial component of the sea-crossing road project, proposed for investment by Vingroup. The company is currently gathering feedback from departments, agencies, and local authorities to make necessary adjustments to related planning, paving the way for project implementation.

According to preliminary studies by the consulting joint venture, the two artificial islands will be positioned at both ends of the submerged tunnel. Each island is designed to be elongated with four sides, a perimeter of nearly 2,500 meters, and an area of approximately 2.2 hectares. The structure will extend about 20 meters from the sea surface to the seabed, not including the foundation reinforcement below.

Design proposal for the sea-crossing road with two artificial islands. Photo: Vingroup

To construct each island, an estimated 4.4 million cubic meters of sand fill will be required. The construction process will utilize a system of large surrounding steel pipe piles, combined with concrete, riprap, and anti-erosion components. A wave barrier wall, approximately 3 meters high, will encircle each island to mitigate the effects of weather and oceanographic conditions.

The islands' surfaces will feature a main road leading to the submerged tunnel entrance, internal traffic routes, and technical infrastructure such as electricity, water supply and drainage, lighting, greenery, and landscaping. Each island is expected to include an operational building for management and maintenance.

The consulting joint venture estimates the construction cost for each island to be around 10,600 billion VND, primarily allocated to specialized materials and equipment.

Preliminary design of an artificial island on the sea-crossing route. Photo: Vingroup

According to the proposing entity, the artificial islands will shorten the length of the bridge or submerged tunnel. They will also accommodate technical facilities such as ventilation, search and rescue operations, maintenance, and overall operation. The structures are also expected to reduce the impact of waves, currents, and sediment, enhancing the safety and lifespan of the sea-crossing route.

Currently, the proposal is in the preliminary study phase; specific locations and scales will be finalized in the next project development step.

As per the earlier investment proposal, the Can Gio - Vung Tau sea-crossing route will span over 14 km, connecting from Bien Dong 2 road in Can Gio Urban Area to the area of 30/4 road in old Vung Tau City. The project comprises nearly 3 km of approach roads, approximately 8 km of bridge, and 3.1 km of submerged tunnel.

Proposed location of the sea-crossing route connecting Can Gio - Vung Tau. Graphic: Tam Thao

The project, designed for 6-8 lanes, has a total investment capital of approximately 92,663 billion VND. It will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, specifically a Build-Transfer (BT) contract. The investor is proposed to arrange its own capital, including site clearance, and will be compensated with equivalent land funds. Vingroup has suggested becoming the investor, with groundbreaking anticipated in Q2/2026 and completion in early 2029.

Currently, travel from Can Gio to Vung Tau is primarily by ferry across Ghenh Rai Bay. The completed sea-crossing route is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boosting tourism, logistics, and port development in the area.

Giang Anh