Vietnam Launches Advanced Combat Transport Ship
According to Polish news outlet Zbiam, Vietnam’s Ba Son Corporation launched an advanced combat transport ship, VDC-01, in Ho Chi Minh City this August.
The VDC-01 is designed based on medium-sized landing ships from projects 770/771/773 built by the Northern Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, known as the Polnocny class by NATO.
With a full load displacement of 857 tons and dimensions of 75.15 x 9.02 x 2.07 meters, these landing ships are powered by two 40-DM diesel engines, each producing 1618 kW, enabling a maximum speed of 18.4 knots.
VDC-01 Transport Ship. Source: Quân đội Nhân dân
Zbiam notes that the VDC-01 gives new life to the Polnocny project, which originated in the late 1960s. This modern vessel is the first in a series of “new Polnocny” ships to be commissioned by the Vietnam People’s Navy in the coming years.
The published images reveal that the VDC-01 will feature an unguided rocket launcher, similar to its predecessors. While the hull retains similarities to the original Polish design, the superstructure has been entirely revamped.
Vietnam currently operates three Polnocny-B ships (project 771A) acquired from Poland, bearing the numbers HQ-511, HQ-512, and HQ-513. These vessels are part of the 3rd Squadron, 125th Brigade, under the command of the 2nd Navy Region.
State-of-the-art Equipment and Technology for VDC-01
As reported by the Quân đội Nhân dân newspaper, the launching ceremony for the VDC-01 took place on August 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the attendance of Rear Admiral Nguyễn Văn Bách, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Navy, and Brigadier General Phan Thị Hoài Vân, Deputy Chief of the General Department of Defense Industry.
Ba Son Corporation recognized the significance of the VDC-01 project as a key undertaking for the Vietnamese military. They ensured comprehensive preparation in terms of infrastructure, machinery, equipment, human resources, and materials to meet technical and technological requirements, executing the construction with precision and punctuality.
Officials performing the launching ceremony of the VDC-01 combat transport ship. Source: Quân đội Nhân dân
As of early August, the project had reached approximately 80% completion. Following the launching, Ba Son will collaborate with the Navy and relevant agencies to finalize the remaining tasks, leading to the ship’s inspection and handover as per regulations.
Major General Mai Quốc Trưởng, Director-General of Ba Son Corporation, affirmed the company’s commitment to utilizing its best human resources and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safety, technical precision, quality, and aesthetics in constructing the VDC-01.
Rear Admiral Nguyễn Văn Bách commended Ba Son’s efforts and emphasized the importance of close coordination with relevant agencies to ensure synchronization in design and functionality. He also instructed them to prepare thoroughly for the ship’s crew, including accommodations, training materials, and expert teams, adhering to the approved curriculum and plan.
