First electric ferry to begin tests in HK waters

Hong Kong's first electric ferry will arrive in the city this week and will be put into service after tests are completed, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said on Monday. The government earlier earmarked HK$350 million for a pilot scheme subsidising operators to introduce a total of four electric ferries. The first of these, operated by Sun Ferry, will conduct its final tests in Hong Kong waters by the end of this year, before it starts running between North Point and Hung Hom. Vanessa Au, an assistant director of the EPD, said the use of electric ferries will improve air quality around Victoria Harbour, and they are also more cost-effective. "We hope that the operating expenses for ferries can be reduced, but we have to test how much the actual reduction can be," she said. "Through this pilot scheme, we hope within 24 months we can compare the electricity consumption and the traditional fuel consumption. Because it's using the motor technology, we hope to cut the maintenance cost as well." Au said charging an electric ferry for about eight hours overnight is enough for a full day's operation. She added that solar panels will be installed on the deck of the ferries to support part of the lighting system. Zheng Cheng-qi, deputy general manager of Sun Ferry, said he hopes to see more electric ferries in Hong Kong, but the industry needs further assistance from the government. "Charging facilities may be an obstacle. If supporting facilities can be refined, ferry services can have a better prospect in Hong Kong," he said. The EPD said charging facilities have already been installed at North Point, Hung Hom and Kwun Tong ferry piers.