Island hoppers will be upset at the Transport Department’s (TD) announcement that the ferry service between Aberdeen and Cheung Chau will cease operation from tomorrow, 1 January 2020.
A spokesman for the TD explained, “The Government understands that outlying island ferry services provide indispensable external links for residents, yet the business environment has been very difficult. Hence, the Chief Executive’s 2019 Policy Address proposes to provide 14 outlying island ferry routes (including the “Aberdeen – Cheung Chau” ferry route) with Special Helping Measures in order to enhance the financial viability of the ferry services, and to launch a new Vessel Subsidy Scheme to replace the fleets of 11 ferry routes (including the “Aberdeen – Cheung Chau” ferry route) and introduce greener vessels.”
The spokesman said, “After receiving the operator Maris Ferry Service Limited’s notification of terminating the ferry service because of an operating deficit, the TD invited interested parties for Expression of Interest (EOI) in operating the “Aberdeen – Cheung Chau” ferry service twice in October and December this year respectively in order to continue operating the ferry service. As the TD did not receive any EOI submission in the first invitation for EOI, the TD relaxed the requirements for the frequency and the carrying capacity of the vessel as well as shortened the operating hours in the invitation document of the second invitation for EOI. The relaxation was aimed at reducing the operating costs to attract interested parties to operate the ferry service. By the close of the second invitation for EOI on 23 December, the TD did not receive any EOI submission. However, any ferry operator interested in operating the ferry service in the future is welcome to submit an application to the TD. The TD will consider the application in accordance with the established procedures (including invitations to interested parties for EOI).
After cessation of the ferry service, the affected passengers may take the “Central – Cheung Chau” outlying island ferry service. The TD has been monitoring passenger demand and observed that the carrying capacity currently provided by the “Central – Cheung Chau” ferry route can meet passenger demand.
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