BUTTERWORTH: The four speed ferries, to replace the existing fleet of fast passenger ferries, are expected to arrive in Penang in June next year.
Construction works on the four speed ferries being undertaken by a company in Hanoi, Vietnam, are almost 40 per cent completed.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, who returned from a trip to Vietnam recently, said he managed to check out the construction works and was happy with their progress.
"We are closely monitoring the progress. If all goes according to plan, we will take receipt of the four speed ferries in June next year," he told newsmen after a walkabout at the newly-refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal here today.
The newly-refurbished ferry terminal, which began operations on Oct 1, has airport standard facilities for ferry users. Some of the facilities include air-conditioned waiting areas and phone charging docks. Wifi connection will be available soon.
He was accompanied by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief operating officer Sasidharan Vasudevan.
Tan, however, said the details and concepts of the speed ferries would be unveiled in a separate session soon.
Meanwhile, Sasidharan said Phase 3 of the refurbishment works would involve the construction of a new berthing system to accommodate the four new speed ferries.
"This berthing system will be unique and is set to be a new icon for the state.
"Let's keep it a mystery for a few more weeks before the unveiling. It will be a brand new iconic design," he added.
Earlier, Tan said that the two million-odd passengers using the existing fast passenger ferries post Covid-19 pandemic could now enjoy better facilities, thanks to the newly-refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal.
"This is a vast difference compared to the past. We want to provide ferry users with comfort and with the best services, like that of the airport. We understand that the ferry service is an important public service for the state and the people, linking the mainland to the island, and vice-versa.
"This was what we promised the people one year ago and we are now delivering on that promise," he said.
On Jan 1, last year, PPSB, which took over the ferry service, only operated fast passenger ferries to replace the phased out iconic car-carrying ferries, while one of the old ferries transported motorcycles and bicycles.