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, as well as the first time a mainland-registered passenger ferry has entered northern Taiwan, ushering in 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-trip voyages per week and a passenger capacity of up to 2,800 people. As part of the inaugural celebration, Haixia is offering a special promotional fare of just NT$3,200 for a one-way trip, providing greater convenience for residents of northern Taiwan traveling to Fujian in mainland China.
Fujian’s “Haixia” is set to launch on October 9, making travel between Taipei and Pingtan more convenient. (Photo provided by Fujian Haixia High-Speed Passenger-Ro-Ro Shipping Co., Ltd.)
The high-speed passenger ferry “Haixia” is the latest addition to cross-strait direct routes, following the 2011 launch of the Pingtan–Taichung Port route. It will open a new direct route from Pingtan to Taipei Port, with a sea journey of approximately 3 hours. One round-trip voyage will be operated each Wednesday and Saturday, with departure from Pingtan at 09:00 and from Taipei Port at 14:00. It offers residents of northern Taiwan an economical, convenient, and comfortable new option for traveling to mainland China for religious pilgrimages, business, family visits, and tourism. To celebrate the Taipei Port inaugural voyage, a limited-time promotion is now available, offering Taipei route passengers the same prices as the Taichung route—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 runs until November 8, 2013, so travelers should seize the opportunity.
Compared to current cross-strait transportation options, the “Haixia” high-speed passenger ferry eliminates the inconveniences of Taiwanese travelers having to take flights and then transfer to ferries via the “mini three links.” For residents of northern Taiwan, it also saves the time needed to travel to Taoyuan Airport for flights, making it the most economical, convenient, and fastest way to reach Fujian in mainland China. Moreover, the “Haixia” ferry features spacious and comfortable cabins, with a maximum capacity of 750 passengers, and can also carry large cargo such as palanquins and bicycles, offering greater convenience for those traveling to Fujian for religious pilgrimages, tourism, or business.
Fujian’s “Haixia” is one of the world’s few fastest high-speed passenger roll-on/roll-off catamarans made entirely of aluminum alloy. It was manufactured by Australia’s INCAT TSMANIA PTY LTD, with a total cost of about US$40 million. The ship is 97.22 meters long, 26.6 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 6,556 tons and a top speed of 43 knots (approximately 80 km/h). The vessel has four decks for cargo and passengers: the first and second decks are for vehicles, while the third and fourth decks are for passengers and the cockpit, respectively. With comfortable, fast, and attentive service, it provides a new shortcut for cross-strait direct travel.
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