GEORGE TOWN: Transportation companies the world over perked up when it was announced that the Penang ferry service would be rejuvenated, boosted by a RM30mil injection from the Transport Ministry.

       A total of 36 companies – 23 local and 13 foreign – vied for the chance to give the Penang ferry service a complete makeover, revealed Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.

       In the end, a Dutch company was chosen in December to custom-build five ferries that would take the service into a new era of modernity, he said in a statement Sunday (March 20).

       Tan said Damen Shipyards Gorinchem BV won the tender with its unique proposal after nine local and four foreign companies sent in technical proposals.

       He said the Dutch company successfully ran the gauntlet of many layers of technical committees plus the board of directors, followed by an independent consultant that scrutinised the tender process.

       This project, he said, became possible after the Transport Ministry provided the vital boost of RM30mil recently.

       "The RM30mil from the Federal Government is strictly for the purchase of the five ferries.

       "Any additional cost will be borne by the port operator, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB)," Tan stressed.

       He said if Covid-19 did not hamper efforts any further, Penangites and travellers could enjoy the new ferry service by next year.

       Tan said PPSB was doing its part at the moment, preparing the ferry terminals on both ends to make them fully air-conditioned, complete with retailing facilities, restaurants and hawker centres.

       "There will even be free WiFi, facilities for the specially-abled, phone-charging stations, elevators, and more.

       "The ferry terminals will be upgraded by this year. They will be a new symbol for Penang, an economic booster and a step up for the tourism sector," he added.

       PPC is a Federal Government agency responsible for regulating Penang Port.

       PPSB is a private company that won the concession to manage, operate and grow Penang Port services since 1994, which includes the ferry serivce, as well as terminals for cruise, container, bulk cargo and many more.