OTHER LOCAL FERRIES
Apart from the main outlying island ferry services and the Star Ferry Hong Kong has many other ferry services operating both within the confines of Victoria Harbour and outside the harbour to and between various islands and points in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Some of these may be useful to visitors either as a convenient route to other parts of the territory or simply for pleasure.
TAI O (LANTAU) TO TUEN MUN (NEW TERRITORIES) VIA SHA LO WAN AND TUNG CHUNG
Operated by Fortune Ferry Company Limited, a member of Chu Kong Shipping Group (CKS), this scenic kaido ferry journey is useful for visitors wanting to use an alternative to the bus for travelling between Tai O and Tung Chung. The ferry departs from the new promenade near the bus terminus at Tai O (not the pier at the entrance to Tai O harbour). From Tai O the ferry travels round the north Lantau headland and along the North Lantau coastline before sailing through the narrow channel between the airport at Chek Lap Kok where it calls at Sha Lo Wan Pier. From Sha Lo Wan the ferry continues across Tung Chung Bay and under the Ngong Ping 360 cable car route to Tung Chung New Development Pier (about 5 minutes walk from Tung Chung Town Centre) and then to Tuen Mun on the Southwest New Territories coast. Journey times from Tai O are 20 mins to Sha Lo Wan, 30 mins to Tung Chung and 50 mins to Tuen Mun. The service is normally operated by "fast ferry" (see picture below). However at peak times, particularly Sundays and public holidays an additional "ordinary ferry" may operate to meet demand. There is a flat fare of HK$27* for adults for the "fast ferry" or HK$21.6* for the "ordinary ferry" (HK$32.5* and HK$27* respectively on Sundays and public holidays) except for passengers on the section between Tuen Mun and Tung Chung only where reduced fares of HK$19.5* for the "fast ferry" and HK$16.2* for the "ordinary ferry" apply at all times. Most sailings are by Fast Ferry and the "Ordinary Ferry" only operates on special occasions. On Mondays to Saturdays payment can be made on board the ferry in cash or by Octopus Card. On Sundays and public holidays Octopus Card and cash payment on board is not accepted and same day advance tickets for sailings from Tai O must be purchased from the Fortune Ferry ticket kiosk on Tai O Waterfront Promenade. Same-day advance tickets for sailings from Tuen Mun can be purchased from 7-30am at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier. Additional sailings are sometimes available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to meet demand.
* NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Fortune Ferry ticket kiosk on Tai O waterfront promenade
Between 2009 and 2012 the average daily patronage of this service increased from 461 to 698 and by 2015 had increased to 1102.
Current timetable can be viewed here and additional sailings may be made at peak times according to demand (see also timetable amendments detailed below which may not be reflected in the current timetable on the operator's website);
New Lantao Bus Company Ltd provides special departures of NLB route no.37, named as NLB route no 37S between 3-00 pm and 6-30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Tung Chung Development Pier to MTR Tung Chung Station
CKS Fortune Ferry Tuen Mun - Tai O service at Tung Chung Development Pier November 2023. This large capacity vessel is used on high demand services
Fortune Ferry's Tai O - Tung Chung - Tuen Mun ferry berthed at Tai O Promenade. This boat is used on some services which attract low demand
Scenic views from top deck of Tai O - Tuen Mun (via Tung Chung and Sha Lo Wan) ferry
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CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 8) TO HUNG HOM (HUNG HOM SOUTH FERRY PIER)
Operated by Fortune Ferry Company, a member of Chu Kong Shipping Group (CKS) under licence for a period of 5 years from 28th June 2020. The service operates between Central Pier 8 (western berth) and Hung Hom (South} Ferry Pier (eastern berth). Operating frequency is 20 mins during peak hours Monday to Saturday and 30 - 50 mins off-peak and on Sundays and public holidays. Operating hours 7-30am to 7-20pm Monday to Saturday and 7-30am to 6-20pm Sundays and public holidays. Adult fare HK$9, Child 3-11 and Senior age 65 and over HK$4.5. Journey time about 16 mins.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare
of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the
Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons
can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal
adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible
passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly
Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the
JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to
benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable;
https://www.fortuneferry.com.hk/upload/timetable/original/091700996410.pdf
Hung Hom Pier is within walking distance of Whampoa MTR station and also Hung Hom (Hung Luen Road) Public Transport Interchange for bus and minibus connections to Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong and some New Territories destinations including Sha Tin, Yuen Long, Tseung Kwan O.
A Central - Hung Hom ferry route had previously been operated by Star Ferry Company from 1965 to 1967 and from 1999 until 2011. The route together with its Wan Chai - Hung Hom route had become uneconomical for Star Ferry to operate and the company did not seek to renew its licence at expiry in 2011. The government invited tenders to operate the Central - Hung Hom route and also a new harbour "water taxi" service between Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui East, West Kowloon and Central with Fortune Ferry being awarded the licence for both services in early 2020. The "water taxi" service is expected to commence in late 2020.
CKS subsisidiary, Fortune Ferry, began operating the Central - Hung Hom cross-harbour route in June 2020
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NORTH POINT FERRY PIER (HK ISLAND) TO HUNG HOM (KOWLOON)
Operated by Sun Ferry Services Company Limited* the 8 minute sailing connects North Point on the north eastern side of Hong Kong with Hung Hom Ferry Pier from where there is a bus connection to Hung Hom Station. The service operates at 15/30 minute intervals from 7-23am to 7-35pm daily. Fare is HK$7.5 (HK$3.8 concessions). Octopus Card accepted.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable can be viewed here;
https://www.sunferry.com.hk/en/route-and-fare/timetable?route=north-point-to-hung-hom
Following a budget announcement in February 2020 it was confirmed that a fund of HK$350 million has been allocated to the four operators of cross-harbour ferry routes including this route for replacement of existing vessels with electric vessels by the end of 2023. However, replacement has subsequently been delayed.
In March 2021 Sun Ferry Services was awarded a 5-year licence to operate the North Point - Hum Hom ferry service from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026. Adult fares will increase by HK$1 and child fares by 50 cents per trip from 1st April 2021.
*Following its takeover by Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Holdings) Company Limited and Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited in May 2020 New World First Ferry Services Limited has changed its corporate name to “SUN FERRY SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED” with effect from 18th January 2021. Logo and branding will be updated to reflect the new name over a period of time and there will be no change to existing ferry services as a result of the takeover and name change. First Ferry currently operates two cross-harbour routes, North Point-Hung Hom and North Point-Kowloon City as well as three outlying island routes Central-Cheung Chau, Central-Mui Wo and Inter Islands between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.
Sun Ferry North Point - Hung Hom Ferry at North Point Ferry Pier
NORTH POINT FERRY PIER (HK ISLAND) TO KOWLOON CITY
Operated by Sun Ferry Services Company Limited* the 15 minute sailing connects North Point with Kowloon City Ferry Pier at Ma Tau Kok, adjacent to the old Kai Tak Airport runway in Kowloon Bay. There is a bus terminus at the Kowloon City Ferry Pier with services various parts of Kowloon. The ferry operates at 15/30 minute intervals from 7-17am to 7-35pm. Fare is HK$7.5 (HK$3.8 concessions). Octopus Card accepted.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable can be viewed here;
https://www.sunferry.com.hk/en/route-and-fare/timetable?route=north-point-to-kowloon-city
Following a budget announcement in February 2020 it was confirmed that a fund of HK$350 million has been allocated to the four operators of cross-harbour ferry routes including this route for replacement of existing vessels with electric vessels by the end of 2023. However, replacement has subsequently been delayed.
In March 2021 Sun Ferry Services was awarded a 5-year licence to operate the North Point - Kowloon City ferry service from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026. Adult fares increased by HK$1 and child fares by 50 cents per trip from 1st April 2021.
*Following its takeover by Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Holdings) Company Limited and Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited in May 2020 New World First Ferry Services Limited has changed its corporate name to “SUN FERRY SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED” with effect from 18th January 2021. Logo and branding will be updated to reflect the new name over a period of time and there will be no change to existing ferry services as a result of the takeover and name change. First Ferry currently operates two cross-harbour routes, North Point-Hung Hom and North Point-Kowloon City as well as three outlying island routes Central-Cheung Chau, Central-Mui Wo and Inter Islands between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.
Sun Ferry North Point - Kowloon City ferry, seen at Kowloon City Ferry PIer, Ma Tau Kok
NORTH POINT FERRY PIER (HK ISLAND) TO KWUN TONG PIER (KOWLOON) VIA KAI TAK RUNWAY PARK PIER
Operated by Fortune Ferry Co Ltd, this is a cross-harbour ferry service connecting North Point on the northeastern side of Hong Kong Island with Kwun Tong in the East Kowloon area. The ferry pier at North Point is located adjacent to North Point Ferry Bus Terminus and the pier at Kwun Tong is located below the Kwun Tong Bypass adjacent to Kwun Tong Ferry Bus Terminus. The journey takes about 12 minutes and the service operates at half-hourly intervals from 7am to 7-30pm. Fare is HK$7 with half-price concessions for child, seniors and persons with disabilties. Octopus Card accepted.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
With effect from 3rd December 2016 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays additional sailings operate via Kai Tak Runway Park Pier and some existing sailings are also diverted to operate via Kai Tak Runway Park Pier. Timetable can be viewed here;
http://www.fortuneferry.com.hk/timetable.php
Following a budget announcement in February 2020 it was confirmed that a fund of HK$350 million has been allocated to the four operators of cross-harbour ferry routes including this route for replacement of existing vessels with electric vessels by the end of 2023. However, replacement has subsequently been delayed.
Fortune Ferry's North Point - Kwun Tong ferry seen departing Kwun Tong Pier
SAI WAN HO (HK ISLAND) TO SAM KA TSUEN (KOWLOON)
Operated by Coral Sea Ferry Service Company Limited this is a cross-harbour ferry service connecting Sai Wan Ho on eastern Hong Kong Island with Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon near the eastern entrance to Victoria Harbour. The ferry pier at Sai Wan Ho is located about 10 minutes walk from Sai Wan Ho MTR Station and the pier at Sam Ka Tsuen is located within short walking distance of a popular tourist destination, Lei Yue Mun with its many seafood restaurants and Tin Hau Temple. The journey takes about ten minutes and the service operates at about 30-minute intervals from 6-15am until 11-45pm. Fare is HK$5.5. Octopus Card accepted.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable can be viewed here;
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/service_details/index.html#i09
Following a budget announcement in February 2020 it was confirmed that a fund of HK$350 million has been allocated to the four operators of cross-harbour ferry routes including this route for replacement of existing vessels with electric vessels by the end of 2023.
Sai Wan Ho - Sam Ka Tsuen ferry, seen here departing from Sai Wan Ho, is popular with visitors to Lei Yue Mun's seafood restaurants
ABERDEEN/STANLEY TO PO TOI ISLAND
Operated by Tsui Wah Ferry Service (HK) Limited this service from Aberdeen Promenade (some sailings also call at Blake Pier, Stanley) allows visitors to reach the quiet, scenic and sparsely populated Po Toi Island located about 6km off the Stanley Peninsula. This is a popular spot for seafood restaurants and for hiking, particularly at weekends. The service operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays (one service each way), Saturdays (three services each way), Sundays and public holidays (five services each way) and the journey from Aberdeen takes about one hour. Same-day return fare (for non-Po Toi Island residents) is HK$40 and the journey takes about one hour. Octopus Card accepted. Timetable can be viewed here;
Po Toi Island Ferry at Aberdeen Promenade
KWUN TONG (KOWLOON) TO KAI TAK (KOWLOON)
THIS SERVICE HAS BEEN TERMINATED WITH EFFECT FROM 3rd DECEMBER 2016. FROM THAT DATE SOME SAILINGS OF THE NORTH PONT - KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE OPERATED BY FORTUNE FERRY CO LTD ARE DIVERTED TO CALL AT KAI TAK RUNWAY PARK PIER (SEE ABOVE)
New Service effective from 9th April 2016. Operates between Kwun Tong Public Pier, Kei Yip Street, Kwun Tong and Kai Tak Runway Park Pier on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only, every 30 minutes from 09-30 to 18-00 from Kwun Tong and every 30 minutes from 09-45 to 18-15 from Kai Tak. The service may operate at other times, subject to demand. The single journey fare is HK$7 and travel is free for children under the age of 5. The service is operated by Blue Sea Ferry Co Ltd;
http://www.td.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/2016/kaito_service_annex_eng_apr16_final.pdf
Kwun Tong - Kai Tak kaito approaching Kai Tak Runway Park Pier
PENG CHAU - TRAPPIST HAVEN MONASTERY (LANTAU ISLAND) - DISCOVERY BAY (LANTAU ISLAND)
Operated by Blue Sea Ferry Company, who took over the operating licence from Peng Chau Kaito in July 2022, the service links Discovery Bay on Lantau and the island of Peng Chau with some sailings serving the Trappist Haven Monastery (Our Lady of Joy Abbey) on Lantau Island. Sailings operate at about 30/60 minute intervals from approx 6-30am until 10am with the Trappist Haven Monastery being served by some ferries between 8-10am and 5-10pm. Both Peng Chau and Discovery Bay are also served by scheduled ferry services from Central Piers on Hong Kong Island. Direct services between Peng Chau and Discovery Bay take about 10 minutes and services which travel via the Trappist Haven Monastery Pier take about 20 minutes. It should be noted that the ferry pier at Discovery Bay for the kaito service to Peng Chau is located at Nim Shue Wan on the south side of Discovery Bay, which is a different pier to the main ferry pier for services to Central. The adult fare is HK$7.5. Cash only. Octopus Card accepted. Timetable can be viewed here;
https://www.blueseaferry.com.hk/en/pc6/#dept
Kaito ferry arriving at Trappist Haven Monastery ferry pier. Peng Chau can be seen in the background
DISCOVERY BAY (LANTAU ISLAND) – MUI WO (LANTAU ISLAND)
Operated by Peng Chau Kaito, the weekday service has been reduced to a school day only service with one service in each direction leaving Mui Wo at 7-20am and Discovery Bay at 3-10pm and calling at Peng Chau in both directions. The journey takes about 25 minutes. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays there are up to eight each-way journeys, all direct between Mui Wo and Discovery Bay (service does not call at Peng Chau) with a journey time of about 20 minutes. Fare HK$12 Monday to Saturday, HK$15 Sundays and public holidays, child under one free. A sectional fare of HK$5.5 applies for the school day service between Peng Chau and Discovery Bay.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable;
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/service_details/index.html#o12
Following the introduction of new marine safety rules and crew number requirements it had been announced that this service would cease to operate completely from February 2014. However after negotiations with the Marine Department interim safety requirements were agreed and the current operator has renewed its licence for two years until February 2016.
PENG CHAU – HEI LING CHAU
Service operated by Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Holdings (who also operate the Central – Peng Chau ferry service), from 16th August 2013. Service previously operated by Coral Sea Ferry Company using kaito ferry. There are nine daily each-way sailings between Peng Chau and the neighbouring island of Hei Ling Chau on Mondays to Saturdays and eleven each-way sailings on Sundays and public holidays. Services operate from about 9-45am to 1am on Mondays to Saturdays and 7-30am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays. The journey takes about 5-minutes each way. Adult fare HK$15, child and senior HK$7.5.
NOTE - The above fares do not include the concessionary fare of the HKSAR Government’s “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities” under which eligible persons can travel in Ordinary Class at a fare of HK$2 per journey (or 50% of normal adult fare, whichever is lower). This was previously available to all eligible passengers including overseas visitors when using Elder Octopus Card (Elderly Persons) or Personalised Octopus Card. However, since 25th August 2024 the concession is restricted to Hong Kong residents only by means of the JoyYou Card. Overseas visitors can continue to use Elder Octopus Card to benefit from half adult fare concession provided by the transport operator.
Timetable;
http://www.hkkf.com.hk/index.php?op=timetable&page=heilingchau&view=screen&style=en
Some of HKKF's Central - Peng Chau services (seen here at Peng Chau Ferry Pier) continue to the tiny neighbouring island of He Ling Chau
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FORTUNE FERRY HARBOUR "WATER TAXI"
A “water taxi” service for which the government awarded a licence to Fortune Ferry Company in early 2020 began operating on a trial basis with a special sailing on the 1st July 2021 then one sailing every Saturday from 3rd July 2021 with a capacity of 170 passengers. The service initially operated a limited route departing 7-20pm from Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier calling at Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No. 1 (the waterfront beside the Avenue of Stars) and Central Pier 9 then returning to Hung Hom. The journey time for the full route is about 70 minutes, allowing viewing of "A Symphony of Light" from on board. Passengers can freely hop on and off at any calling point. The adult full fare of the route is H$48 with sectional fares of HK$10 (Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui East) and HK$14 (Tsim Sha Tsui East - Central) respectively and half-fare concession for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The intention is that when the situation regarding the Covid pandemic improves and tourism returns to Hong Kong, the service will operate on a more frequent basis, with some sailings extended to cover the full route which will include Kai Tak and West Kowloon. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic;
https://www.hongkongwatertaxi.com.hk/en/
During Chinese New Year 2023 from 22nd January to 5th February following relaxation of pandemic restrictions and an expected influx of tourists a new extended route and timetable was introduced "Tsim Sha Tsui East - Wan Chai - Central - West Kowloon (Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter) - Central - Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui East" operating twice daily in each direction which would provide convenient transport for recent newly-opened attractions, Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum at West Kowloon Cultural District.
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PROPOSED ELECTRIC FERRIES (PILOT SCHEME)
The Government has earmarked HK$350 million to launch a pilot scheme for electric ferries (Pilot Scheme) and is preparing for testing the operation of electric ferries in four in-harbour ferry routes and will fully subsidise the relevant ferry operators for the construction of electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, as well as the operational, maintenance and repair expenditures incurred by the operation of the electric ferries during the 24-month trial period. Four ferry operators have planned to participate in the Pilot Scheme in the following four in-harbour ferry routes:
1. Central and Tsim Sha Tsui by The "Star" Ferry Company, Limited;
2. North Point and Hung Hom by the Sun Ferry Services Company Limited;
3. Sai Wan Ho and Kwun Tong by the Coral Sea Ferry Service Company Limited;
4. "Water Taxi" plying Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and West Kowloon by the Fortune Ferry Company Limited.
The Government has established an inter-departmental working group (IWG) to work out the details of the Pilot Scheme, oversee its progress and evaluate the performance of the electric ferries. The EPD has also engaged a consultant to design the electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, and assist the ferry operators to prepare technical specifications for issuing open tenders for the construction of electric ferries. In addition, the Government has set up an expert panel comprising a local naval architect and academics as well as the IWG members to assess the design proposals of electric ferries. The EPD and the consultant have been proactively discussing the details of the Pilot Scheme with ferry operators to understand their operational needs and requirements of the new electric ferries, and study the charging arrangements. So far, the consultant has worked out the conceptual designs of electric ferries and submitted them for discussion at the expert panel. Regarding the installation of charging facilities at existing ferry piers, given that the existing electricity supply at the ferry piers is not sufficient to meet the charging needs of the electric ferries, additional power supply and upgrading of the electrical systems at the piers are required. The power companies have proactively assisted and have agreed to increase the power supply to cater for the trial. The government has engaged an engineering consultant to work with the power companies and relevant government departments to prepare the engineering design of the charging facilities. Upon the completion of the design, the Government will invite tenders for the construction of charging facilities at the ferry piers to support the operation of the electric ferries in the future.
Based on progress as at mid-2021 it is anticipated that the design proposals for the electric ferries and associated charging facilities would be completed within this year. The ferry operators and the Government will be able to issue open tenders for the construction of electric ferries and the associated charging facilities respectively later this year. Taking into account the lead time to construct the electric ferries and the associated charging facilities it is anticipated that the Pilot Scheme would commence in 2023 tentatively.
During the 24-month trial operation, each ferry operator is required to commission a ship surveyor or maritime professional to collect the operational, environmental and financial data of the electric ferry and submit an assessment report to the expert panel after the completion of the trial. The expert panel will then examine the assessment report and evaluate the performance of the electric ferry in terms of environmental benefits, technical performance and cost effectiveness. Upon the satisfactory completion of the trial, the government will encourage the ferry operators to continue deploying the electric ferries to their ferry routes.
If the Pilot Scheme is successful, it will provide ferry operators an additional choice of green technologies for ferries. The Government welcomes interested party to apply for the operation of new ferry services. When assessing applications for new ferry services, the Government will consider all the factors, including the provision of existing public transport services, passenger demand, applicability of green technologies in ferries, availability of piers and supporting facilities, as well as the financial and operational viability.