Penang’s new ferry service, powered by four new ferries, will commence operations in mid-July. Based on Star, each ferry costs RM18 million and can accommodate 250 passengers and 50 two-wheelers. Unlike the island’s classic ferry, the new one is not designed for cars.
Penang Port Operations Manager Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said travel time on the new ferry from Butterworth to the island would take about 10 minutes, as fast as current boats and much faster than the classic 20 minute ferry ride.
Sasedharan also told the daily that the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island is currently being upgraded. Improvements include a 400-square-foot facility with 25 retail outlets, air-conditioned waiting areas with Wi-Fi and phone chargers, and OKU-friendly facilities. It will be ready for the arrival of new ferries.
On the mainland side, Sultan Abdul Halim’s new terminal has been in operation since October 2022. Currently, high-speed trains connect Butterworth station with Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal on the island. The images you see here are of one of the new ferries called Teluk Bahang, taken at a shipyard in Hai Phong, Vietnam. What do you think of the new ferry’s look?
