PENANG Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of the state’s cross-channel ferries said three iconic double-decker ferries will be restored and preserved as floating tourism landmarks. These ferries will be anchored in strategic locations off the island and mainland Prai.

PPSB’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said the port operator was informed that three private entities, including the state government, will salvage, repair, and preserve these ferries. 

The remaining five ferries are likely to be scrapped after the Penang Port Commission (PPC), the owner, failed to find interested buyers from the private sector.

Previous attempts to save the ferries failed when companies could not remove them to dry docks, accelerating the deterioration of the hulls and interiors. These ferries, which began service in 1957, once operated between Butterworth and Weld Quay on the island.

The first preserved ferry is expected to be anchored off Gurney Bay (Gurney Drive), with the new owner considering converting it into a floating restaurant. The second, under the state government’s purview, will be anchored off Began Ajam. Although there are no updates on its exact purpose, it is believed that another floating restaurant is being considered to meet the growing demand for tourist attractions.

The third ferry will be stationed off the Tanjong Marina near the ferry terminal and designated as a museum to showcase the state’s rich maritime history. Developer Ideal Group is already operating another double-decker ferry as a restaurant near the Queens condominiums, which are located across from Pulau Jerejak.

During a media briefing on PPSB’s performance, Sasedharan highlighted that the conflict in the Red Sea has impacted their business, particularly in container traffic and the cancellation of 24 cruise liner calls at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. 

However, as Penang continues to grow as a preferred stopover for cruise liners on the Asia route, Sasedharan anticipates a recovery in the sector once the conflict in the Middle East subsides, noting that peace talks are reportedly underway.

Sasedharan said PPSB plans to continue expanding its operations in response to growing demand. This includes developments in container yards, warehousing, a 40-hectare halal hub for repackaging, expansion of berthing facilities, new gatehouses, and new rail terminals in collaboration with railway company KTMB.

“It will be done in stages to meet emerging demand,” he said.

Sasedharan also noted that the commercial zone at the port, which facilitates transhipment and repackaging activities, has bolstered the port’s revenue. PPSB has increased its market share of port activities from 68% in 2014, when it first took over the port, to 73% as of July this year.

In an effort to offer greener energy solutions for its cruise terminal and wharf services, PPSB is investing in a massive solar photovoltaic offshore floating farm system within the Penang Channel. This initiative is part of the cruise liner market’s move towards greener technology by 2030, to help combat climate change.

Sasedharan said PPSB will harness solar energy to power its facilities for docking cruise liners, significantly reducing water and air pollution. – August 17, 2024.