Vinalines to sell its shipyard company

Since the investment project has yet to be implemented, VNLSY’s main function is to protect and manage notorious floating dock M83 -- material evidence involved in Vinalines’ embezzlement case. — Photo dantri.com.vn

Viet Nam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) wants to transfer its stake, valued at VND262.5 billion (US$11.5 million), accounting for 88.6 per cent of chartered capital, from Vinalines Shipyard Company Limited (VNLSY).

Starting price will be VND82 billion. The stake will be sold via a public auction on the stock market, according to information revealed by the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX).

Time period for depositing money is from 8.30am on March 27 to 3.30pm on April 17, 2017.

Auction time is 8.30am on April 24, 2017, at the HNX.

VNLSY was founded in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau in 2008 when Viet Nam’s shipping business was at its peak.

Covering a 92.5ha area and holding an estimated total investment of VND6.49 trillion, the shipyard could handle repair and maintenance for ships up to 40,000DWT. This would have enabled it to service Vinalines’ 23-25-strong ship fleet during the 2008-2015 period if it had been completed.

The shipyard is expected to become a regional leader with the capacity to serve 110-120 ships up to 100,000DWT per year by 2020.

According to the business registration certificate granted in 2008, VNLSY was to have VND800 billion in chartered capital, of which Vinalines was to contribute 85 per cent, equal to VND680 billion.

However, by the end of June 2016, the major shareholders only contributed VND296 billion.

In contrast to the initial rosy expectations, since its establishment, VNLSY had had almost no production and business activities.