Macau announces resumption of ferry services

The SAR government expects to boost the gaming and tourism sector with the resumption of public transport to Zhuhai, in Guandong province.

Macau.- The SAR government has announced the resumption of the short-hop ferry service connecting Macau’s Inner Harbour district to neighbouring Zhuhai in mainland China’s Guangdong province.

According to the Macau’s Marine and Water Bureau, operations have resumed after almost five months of suspension, since March 27, as part of the border measures imposed to contain the spread of the Covid-19.

The Macau government expects an increase of visitors to boost gaming activiy. There is a casino near the Macau pier for the ferry service, Ponte 16, promoted by Success Universe Group, while the pier is near San Ma Lo and the historic centre of the city.

The first Macau-bound ferry had 15 passengers, Macau’s public broadcast service TDM Chinese Radio reported.

Around 150 passengers were carried per ferry trip prior to the suspension of the service, the public broadcaster reported, citing a representative from the ferry service operator Yuet Tung Shipping.

Due to pandemic, and considering the social distancing measures, the passenger tally is expected go up to “around 40 or 50” in the initial phase of the ferry service’s resumption, a representative said.