China’s First Passenger Ship: “Lina” Ferry Granted Cross-Strait Direct Sailing License

▲ Taiwan’s “Lina” ferry has been granted a cross-strait direct sailing license and will operate on the blue highway between Taiwan and mainland China. (Photo provided by Wah Kwang Group)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin, Taipei

At present, only the “China Star” and the “Sea Star” offer direct ferry services across the Taiwan Strait. However, Taiwan’s high-speed passenger-cargo ferry — the “Lina” ferry — has now officially received approval for cross-strait direct voyages. In the future, passengers will also be able to take this cruise-style commuter ferry from Taipei Harbor to Pingtan Port in Fujian.

Last summer, the Lina ferry gained popularity for its service on the blue highway between Su’ao and Hualien Harbors, sparking rumors that it would soon operate cross-strait routes. Now, it has finally secured the necessary sailing permissions. The Wah Kwang Group stated that joining the cross-strait ferry market has long been a goal, but issues such as sailing approvals had previously caused delays. The exact launch date is still under internal discussion and planning.

The “Lina” ferry is the first Taiwan-registered vessel to operate on a regular cross-strait route. Invested in by the Wah Kwang Group at a cost of NT$2 billion and imported from abroad, it is a high-speed passenger ferry with a capacity of 10,000 tons, reaching speeds of 36 knots. It can accommodate 800 passengers (including 568 in economy class, 112 in business class, and 94 in first class), as well as 24 tour buses and 300 cars.

▲ Sea Star (left, provided by operator), China Star (right, photo by Chen Tzu-yin)

Currently, some regular cross-strait shipping routes include:China StarandSea Star. The China Star sails between Keelung, Taichung, and Kaohsiung — and Xiamen; the Sea Star operates between Taipei, Taichung — and Pingtan. With the Lina ferry set to join the cross-strait ferry market, both group and independent travelers will have another option on the blue highway.