Fast ferry makes maiden cross-Straits trip

To mark the first anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Haixia — the first high-speed liner connecting the mainland and Taiwan — a new fast ferry embarked on its inaugural trip on Friday, marking an efficient and luxurious addition to that sea route.

The Jiayuan, a diesel-powered catamaran also known as the Natchan Rera, departed from Aoqian wharf in Pingtan county at 9 am. After three hours of cruising, the ship arrived at Taipei's harbor.

Equipped with four water jet propulsion systems, the vessel can reach a speed of over 40 knots. It sails at an average speed of 36 knots.

According to captain Ouyang Ding, thanks to its unique hull form with long outer bows, fuller mid-ship sections and center bow clearances, the wave-piercing liner is able to maintain stability in rough waters, thus guarantying passenger comfort.

The 112-meter-long and 30-meter-wide ship has a maximum passenger capacity of 800, with room for 355 cars.

Given the fact that the Haixia can only carry 760 passengers and 260 cars, the Jiayuan represents an enhancement, said Ye Huatao, general manager of the Fujian Cross Straits Ferry Corp, the mainland-Taiwan joint venture company that runs the ship.

"This new cargo and passenger route means that the mainland is developing a smooth channel to Taiwan's northern logistics center. It will certainly help to boost cross-Straits sea transport and logistics," Ye said.

Gong Qinggai, director of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, envisions a cross-Straits tourism boom in the future.

"So many people traveled on the Haixia that the operator had to increase the ferry service in the high season. The new ship, which is larger and more luxurious, may contribute to another surge in cross-Straits sea travel, " Gong said.

According to Ye, the Jiayuan is expected to start service in January 2013. Ticket prices have not been announced yet.

On Nov 30, 2011, the Haixia made its first direct trip to Taiwan, carrying over 500 passengers from Pingtan to Taichung. The trip took two hours and 50 minutes.

Yang Yi, spokesman with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a recent press conference in Beijing that the Haixia has played a constructive role in facilitating cross-Strait travel and improving exchanges.

According to Yang, the passenger liner has carried more than 100,000 people since it began operations.