Hong Kong is welcoming its first electric ferry this week as part of a pilot scheme to explore more environmentally friendly options for the city’s waters. The ferry, operated by Sun Ferry, will undergo testing before being put into service between North Point and Hung Hom. The boat is equipped with charging facilities at the North Point Ferry Pier and has a battery that can operate for 12 hours on an eight-hour charge.
This 35-meter ferry has a capacity for 400 passengers, similar to the traditional ferries currently in operation. It also features solar panels on its deck, a bathroom, and storage areas for bikes and baggage. Vanessa Au from the Environmental Protection Department highlighted that using electric ferries would improve air quality around Victoria Harbour.
Manufactured in Guangzhou, mainland China, the electric ferry is the first of four to arrive in Hong Kong under a government-subsidized pilot scheme. Other ferry operators, including Fortune Ferry, Coral Sea Ferry, and Star Ferry, will also be part of this initiative. The government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has seen a 24% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 compared to the peak in 2014.
Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Diane Wong, mentioned that shipbuilding works have begun for two more electric ferries, expected to be delivered in the first half of 2025 and 2026. The timeline for the testing of the first electric ferry was delayed due to additional precautions taken during the design and tendering process by the ferry operators.
A recent survey conducted by Greenpeace revealed that while 78% of Hongkongers believe it is the government’s responsibility to lead in combating the climate crisis, only 35% trust the government to do so. This underscores the importance of initiatives like the introduction of electric ferries to reduce emissions and promote environmental sustainability in Hong Kong.
The arrival of the first electric ferry marks a significant step towards a greener future for Hong Kong’s maritime transport sector. With ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase environmental awareness, the city is taking positive strides towards achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The success of this pilot scheme and the adoption of electric ferries could serve as a model for other cities looking to transition to more sustainable transportation options.
