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First batch of three new vessels procured under Phase I of Vessel Subsidy Scheme will come into service from March 2024 (with photos)
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     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme (VSS) will be gradually deployed to provide services from March 2024, operating Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo and Central - Peng Chau routes.
      
     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, said when attending the launching ceremony of the new vessels, "The Government has launched the VSS to fully subsidise outlying island ferry operators to purchase new vessels, which feature the newly designed promotional logo for government-funded projects. We hope the VSS can enhance the experience of passengers while promoting environmental protection. As the 22 new vessels under Phase I of the VSS gradually arrive, we will continue to work hand in hand with the trade to provide quality ferry services for the public." 
      
     A spokesman for the TD said, "The VSS aims to improve the fleet quality and promote environmental protection, as well as enhance the experience of passengers." The new vessels will provide more comprehensive facilities, including additional breastfeeding areas and dedicated seats for passengers with pets, double or more the number of wheelchair seats as compared with existing vessels, provision of accessible toilets and mobile phone-charging facilities for some of the seats. Moreover, the new vessels were built with lightweight materials such as aluminium alloy and carbon fibre to reduce the weight of the vessels. They are also equipped with environmental-friendly engines which comply with the highest International Maritime Organization Tier III standard to reduce emission of nitrogen oxides.
      
     The Government announced in the Chief Executive's 2019 Policy Address that it would implement the VSS to fully subsidise 10 ferry routes to replace the entire existing fleet with greener vessels and newer facilities in two phases. Under Phase I of the VSS, 22 vessels will be procured for the the six major outlying island routes (including Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo, Inter-islands, Central - Peng Chau, Central - Yung Shue Wan and Central - Sok Kwu Wan). About half of the new vessels are expected to arrive by the end of this year. 
 
Ends/Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:05
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The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung (fourth right); Deputy Director-General of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Lyu Feng (fourth left); the Deputy Commissioner for Transport (Transport Services and Management), Ms Macella Lee (first right); the Deputy Director of Marine, Mr Shi Qiang (first left); the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport, Mr Chan Han-pan (second left); Member of the Legislative Council for the Transport Functional Constituency, Mr Frankie Yick (second right), and representatives from the Sun Ferry Services Company Limited and Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Limited at the launching ceremony of the new vessels.
The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the appearance of the new vessel operating the Central - Cheung Chau and Mui Wo route. The vessel features the newly designed promotional logo for government-funded projects.
The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the appearance of the new vessel operating the Central - Peng Chau route. The vessel features the newly designed promotional logo for government-funded projects.
The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the breastfeeding area on a new vessel.
The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the dedicated seats on a new vessel for passengers with pets.
The Transport Department announced today (February 27) that the first batch of three fully Government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March this year. Photo shows the accessible toilets on a new vessel.