Amadive Tourism Services Company has proposed a unique plan to transform the abandoned Sheng Li cargo ship into a high-end dive site off the coast of Con Dao Island, Vietnam. The proposal, submitted to Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture and Environment, and other relevant agencies, aims to boost the island’s tourism sector by creating a novel attraction for both domestic and international visitors. The project anticipates a significant positive impact on the local economy and environment.
A Novel Approach to Sustainable Tourism
The core of Amadive’s proposal centers on the controlled sinking of the Sheng Li vessel, creating an artificial reef that would attract marine life and offer a distinct diving experience. This initiative aligns with a growing global trend towards sustainable tourism, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity. The company envisions the sunken ship as a unique selling point, targeting high-end tourists and generating higher-quality employment opportunities for local residents. By diverting diving activities away from natural reefs, the project aims to alleviate pressure on existing coral formations, thus contributing to their preservation and long-term health.
“Amadive is committed to implementing this project in accordance with all legal regulations and procedures, ensuring maritime safety, environmental protection, and the preservation of the marine landscape,” stated Ngô Tuấn Tú, the company’s director. “We have thoroughly researched the technical and economic aspects of the project and are confident in its feasibility and the long-term benefits it will bring to Con Dao and the Vietnamese tourism industry.”
The Sheng Li: From Abandoned Vessel to Potential Tourist Attraction
The Sheng Li, a frozen cargo ship, has been derelict off Con Dao Island for approximately two years. Initially a curiosity, the rusting vessel, bearing the name “Sheng Li” prominently on its hull, quickly became an impromptu online attraction for social media users seeking unique photo opportunities. However, its condition has deteriorated significantly over time. The ship, lacking an owner for several years, has experienced considerable decay, with significant rust and damage to its hull. The six interconnected cargo holds and the ship’s machinery are severely damaged and unusable.
On May 9, 2025, the People’s Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (formerly) issued a decision to auction the ship for scrap metal, setting a starting price of 1.7 billion VND (approximately $72,000 USD), excluding taxes and other fees. The winning bidder was only permitted to dismantle the vessel, with any repurposing or alteration strictly prohibited. This auction marked the culmination of a drawn-out period of abandonment and uncertainty surrounding the ship’s fate.
Government Support and Environmental Considerations
Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism has expressed its general approval of Amadive’s proposal, acknowledging the potential for a unique and appealing tourism product. However, the department has requested a comprehensive environmental impact assessment from the Department of Agriculture and Environment. This assessment will involve a detailed survey of the proposed sinking location, including analysis of the area’s existing marine environment, potential impact on surrounding ecosystems, and the assessment of any risks to nearby beaches and tourist areas.
“The model of sinking a ship to create a diving tourism product, attracting domestic and international tourists, has been implemented elsewhere in the world, but not yet in Vietnam,” said Lê Trương Hiền Hòa, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism. “If we can develop a new, sustainable tourism product, it needs further research.”
International Precedents and Expert Opinions
The concept of wreck diving is not new; many locations worldwide have successfully integrated sunken vessels into their tourism offerings. These often leverage the historical significance or intriguing stories associated with the wrecks to enhance the experience. Tourism expert Nguyễn Minh Mẫn commended Amadive’s proposal, describing it as a positive initiative, but emphasized the importance of thorough feasibility studies before implementation.
“Vietnamese tourism has only recently begun to exploit the resources and historical, cultural, and architectural heritage on the mainland and beaches,” Mr. Mẫn noted. “Resources in rivers and under the sea have yet to see adequate investment. Therefore, all ideas are necessary to create new and impressive products, but safety for tourists must be ensured.”
He highlighted Vietnam’s untapped potential in underwater tourism, emphasizing the need for qualified operators who understand both diving safety and environmental protection. Nha Trang, in Khanh Hoa province, serves as a successful example of a thriving wreck dive tourism hub, followed by Phu Quoc and now potentially Con Dao.
“If developed correctly, ensuring tourist safety and environmental conservation, this will be a product attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists who love diving,” Mr. Mẫn stated. “However, wreck diving is a conditional experience; simply sinking a ship isn’t enough to exploit tourism. Practical assessments of environmental impact are necessary, with water currents being a crucial factor in ensuring tourist safety.”
Legal and Environmental Hurdles
Trần Tường Huy, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Tourism Research, expressed reservations regarding the proposal’s feasibility, emphasizing the need to consider Con Dao’s unique and delicate ecosystems. He highlighted that the project might be attractive from a marketing perspective and offer exciting experiences to divers but cautioned that the environmental impact requires careful scrutiny.
“Con Dao’s natural ecosystem needs protection,” Mr. Huy explained. “It’s crucial to define Con Dao’s tourism brand identity to ensure consistency across all services. Legally, the deliberate sinking of a ship (even one without economic value) requires permits from the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and local authorities. It must be demonstrated that the sinking will not cause pollution, requiring the removal of oil, chemicals, and hazardous materials before submersion. The sinking location must be outside main shipping lanes, not affecting fishermen or shipping routes, and must be clearly marked on nautical charts…”
Detailed Specifications of the Sheng Li
The Sheng Li, a 52-meter-long, 8.5-meter-wide vessel with a 1,200-ton capacity, was built in Togo in 2002. Its current state of disrepair necessitates meticulous planning to mitigate any potential environmental risks. The removal of hazardous materials, such as oil and chemicals, is crucial before the sinking process. The precise location and method of sinking will also need careful consideration to minimize disruption to marine life and navigation. The project’s success hinges on a balanced approach that prioritizes both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The proposal for the Sheng Li’s transformation into a unique dive site presents both exciting opportunities and substantial challenges. The project’s success hinges on a comprehensive assessment of its environmental impact and the implementation of robust safety measures. A successful outcome would contribute significantly to Con Dao’s tourism industry while demonstrating environmentally responsible development.
