Fujian’s “Haixia” ferry launches Taipei–Pingtan route, reachable in 3 hours

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

Fujian’s high-speed passenger ferry “Haixia” will commence its inaugural voyage to Taipei Port on October 9. This marks the first time Taipei Port has launched a “passenger transport” service mechanism, as well as the first time a mainland-registered passenger ferry has entered northern Taiwan, opening a new milestone for cross-strait direct shipping. In the future, the journey from Taipei to Pingtan will take just 3 hours, with 2 round-trips per week and a passenger capacity of up to 2,800 people. As part of the inaugural celebration, the Haixia is offering a special promotional fare of just NT$3,200 for a one-way trip, bringing more convenient services for residents of northern Taiwan traveling to Fujian in mainland China.

The “Haixia” high-speed passenger ferry is reopening a new direct route from Pingtan to Taipei Port, following the 2011 launch of the direct route from Pingtan in Fujian to Taichung Port. The sea journey takes approximately 3 hours, with one round-trip flight operated every Wednesday and Saturday. The ferry departs Pingtan at 09:00 in the morning and Taipei Port at 14:00 in the afternoon. It provides residents of northern Taiwan with an economical, convenient, and comfortable new option for traveling to mainland China for religious pilgrimages, business, family visits, and tourism. To celebrate the inaugural voyage from Taipei Port, a limited-time promotional offer is now available, featuring the same price as the Taichung route for passengers on the Taipei route—at just NT$3,200 per person for a one-way trip and NT$6,300 per person for a round-trip (both prices exclude tax). The promotion is valid only until November 8, 2013, so the public is encouraged to seize the opportunity.

 

Compared to current cross-strait transportation methods, the “Haixia” high-speed passenger ferry eliminates many inconveniences for Taiwanese travelers who previously had to take flights and then transfer to cruise ships via the “mini three links.” For residents of northern Taiwan, it also saves time compared to traveling to Taoyuan Airport for flights, making it the most economical, convenient, and fastest way to reach Fujian in mainland China. Moreover, the “Haixia” high-speed passenger ferry features spacious and comfortable cabins, with a maximum capacity of 750 passengers, and can also carry large cargo such as palanquins and bicycles, providing greater convenience for those traveling to Fujian for religious pilgrimages, tourism, and business.

 

Fujian’s “Haixia” is one of the world’s few fastest, all-aluminum alloy wave-piercing catamaran high-speed passenger roll-on/roll-off vessels. It was manufactured by Australia’s INCAT TSMANIA PTY LTD, with a total cost of approximately US$40 million. The ship is 97.22 meters long, 26.6 meters wide, with a total gross tonnage of 6,556 tons and a top speed of 43 knots (approximately 80 kilometers per hour). The vessel has four decks for cargo, with the first and second decks designated for loaded vehicles, and the third and fourth decks for passengers and the cockpit, respectively. With its comfortable, fast, and attentive service, it offers a new shortcut for direct cross-strait shipping.

 

 

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