New Macau Ferry Service Establishes Link with Zhongshan

The ferry service linking Macau’s bustling Taipa Ferry Terminal and the city of Zhongshan in China's Guangdong province embarks on a new chapter as Yuet Tung Shipping Co. Ltd prepares to launch this much-anticipated route. The service, commencing on January 15, was announced by Macau’s Marine and Water Bureau, marking a significant expansion in the connectivity of the region. Zhongshan is a central node in China's ambitious Guangdong-Hong-Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, a cluster of seven key cities aimed at fostering economic and infrastructural integration. Yuet Tung is set to operate two round trips daily between Macau and Zhongshan, with each journey expected to last around an hour. This new route provides a streamlined transit option for travelers and contributes to the accessibility of these burgeoning urban areas. This initiative underscores the ongoing development focus within the Greater Bay Area, providing additional transport options for residents and tourists alike.

Expanding Regional Connectivity

The introduction of the Macau-Zhongshan ferry comes as Yuet Tung Shipping Co. Ltd continues to strengthen its ferry operations across the region. Currently, the company operates daily trips connecting Macau’s Taipa Ferry Terminal with Shenzhen’s She Kou and Fu Yong ports. Furthermore, Yuet Tung provides a vital link between Macau’s Inner Harbour and Zhuhai’s Wanzai district – Zhuhai being the mainland city closest to Macau. These services enhance mobility within the Pearl River Delta region, supporting economic and cultural ties.

Moreover, the Macau-Hong Kong ferry routes managed by TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet remain crucial for maintaining connectivity across these vibrant hubs. However, the maritime passenger transport dynamics have seen substantial fluctuations over recent years. Despite a 12.8 percent increase in sea arrivals to Macau from January to November 2024 compared to the previous year, the numbers reflect a 35.6 percent decrease when juxtaposed with figures from 2019. These statistics hint at the broader impacts and recovery trajectories influenced by global events in recent years.

Maritime and Infrastructure Developments

While ferry services continue to play a vital role in regional transport, the recent opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge offers an alternative mode of intercity travel. Since its inauguration in October 2018, the bridge has provided a direct road route across the Pearl River Estuary, presenting a pivotal infrastructure development that complements existing ferry connections. The integration of road and maritime networks is expected to catalyze economic growth and cross-border exchange within the Greater Bay Area.

The new ferry service reflects ongoing efforts to bolster transportation links and enhance accessibility within this strategic region. The commencement of the Macau-Zhongshan service not only highlights the capabilities of Yuet Tung in adapting to regional transport demands but also aligns with broader initiatives to integrate city clusters under China's Greater Bay Area framework.

Source: Macau ferry service with mainland’s Zhongshan starts Weds, GGRAsia, January 14. 

Posted by Wizard
Jan 14 2025