Sun Ferry Routes and Services Explained

Sun Ferry operates on several routes, including the popular route from Marmaris to Rhodes, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This route is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Sun Ferry has a fleet of modern ferries, including the Sun 1, which has a capacity for 1,000 passengers.

The Sun 1 is equipped with comfortable seating, air-conditioned lounges, and a restaurant serving a variety of snacks and meals.

Sun Ferry also offers a range of services, including luggage storage, a souvenir shop, and a children's play area.

Sun Ferry's operations are designed to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for passengers and crew alike. The company operates a fleet of modern ferries that are equipped with the latest technology to minimize environmental impact and maximize safety.

The ferries are staffed by experienced crew members who undergo rigorous training to handle emergency situations. This includes regular drills and simulations to prepare for scenarios such as evacuations and medical emergencies.

Sun Ferry's operations team is available 24/7 to respond to any issues that may arise during travel. This includes handling customer complaints and providing assistance with luggage and other travel-related matters.

The NWFF era saw significant changes in the ferry operations. In 2001, a catamaran made by Marinteknik Shipyard of Singapore was added to replace the HM527 Flying Boat.

NWFF initially used vessels like HM527 Flying Boat and "Small House" catamarans. These were eventually replaced by newer catamarans.

A catamaran made by Damen Fast Ferry 4010 of Singapore was also dispatched during this period. The vessel was named New Ferry V or New Ferry VI.

NWFF rented vessels from other operators before the Marinteknik and Wang Tak catamarans came into service. Some of the notable rented vessels include:

The NWFF era also saw the introduction of new, more environmentally friendly vessels. The First Ferry XVIII, a high-speed catamaran, was purchased from Chu Kong Shipping's Austal Shipyard in Australia and started service in 2020.

After the war, the service underwent some significant changes. The frequency of the service was adjusted on August 17, 1945, and was changed to operate once every two days.

On August 17, 1945, the service was also modified to run from Hong Kong to Cheung Chau on both days and from Cheung Chau to Hong Kong on one day.

The service was suspended again on August 22, 1945, but resumed on November 23 of the same year with an increased frequency of eight.

Some notable arrangements were put in place on April 21, 1946, but unfortunately, I don't have more information about those specific changes.

Detours via Yung Shue Wan were cancelled on November 1, 1948, due to unsatisfactory ridership.

To check Sun Ferry schedules, you can pick a line from the list provided.

You can view updated schedules and stops for lines like Central - Mui Wo, Central - Cheung Chau, and North Point - Kowloon City.

The Moovit App gives you directions for Sun Ferry routes and provides helpful step-by-step navigation.

You can find all Sun Ferry lines and schedules in Hong Kong through the Moovit App.

Here are some of the Sun Ferry lines you can find in the Moovit App:

Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has welcomed a new, state-of-the-art 35-meter diesel-electric ferry to its fleet.

The Xin Ming Zhu 30 is designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard.

The ferry features spacious seating for 171 travelers on its main deck, with dedicated areas for pets and designated wheelchair spaces.

Large windows and ergonomic seating allow passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the islands.

Ample luggage storage is integrated throughout the vessel, including a 6 square meter cargo area centrally positioned for convenience.

The Xin Ming Zhu 30 is equipped with two restrooms and one accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.

The aft main deck also features crew quarters, including three bunk beds, lockers, and a pantry.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan, and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry features Veth azimuth thrusters that provide exceptional maneuverability at operating speeds of 14 knots.

The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The upper deck provides seating for 129 passengers and access to panoramic views.

A three-seat wheelhouse crowns the vessel, offering maximum visibility and operational efficiency.

The diesel-electric propulsion system is future-proofed, helping Sun Ferry to reduce emissions and provide a reliable service.

The delivery of the Xin Ming Zhu 30 follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry.

All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Sun Ferry operates a fleet of vessels on the Central - Cheung Chau Route. The fleet consists of five ordinary vessels and six fast vessels.

Ordinary ferries are mainly triple-decker vessels, with Xin Chao, Xin Fei, and Xin Guo being the primary vessels. Xin Guang and Xin Fa are used for additional sailings and replacement of maintenance vessels.

Double-decker vessels may be deployed as additional ordinary ferry sailings. In the past, Flying Cat New Ferry II of NWFF's Macau fleet was designated to operate the 7:55 a.m. fast ferry service from Cheung Chau on weekdays.

Here is a list of the vessels used on the Sun Ferry Central - Cheung Chau Route:

High-speed ferries are operated by the Singapore Marinteknik Shipyard-built vessels First Ferry III, First Ferry V, First Ferry VI, and First Ferry VIII.

Passages are a convenient option for Sun Ferry passengers, particularly those holding Monthly Passes or Multi-ride Tickets. They can use the Monthly Pass to gain direct entry to high-speed ferry services on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and weekdays before and after public holidays.

The Monthly Pass also allows priority boarding for Cheung Chau residents and working people, who have been fighting for this provision to minimize the impact of tourists on the island residents. The Transport Department and Hong Kong Police Force initially rejected a proposal to provide special lanes for this route, but later agreed to a special monthly ticket passage.

The monthly ticket passages were implemented on 19 August 2017, and have been well-received by Cheung Chau residents.

Sailing times can vary depending on the type of ferry you're taking. An ordinary ferry will take around 55-60 minutes to cross.

If you're in a hurry, you can opt for a high-speed ferry, which will get you to your destination in about 35-40 minutes. However, keep in mind that actual sailing times may be affected by factors like speed restrictions on Victoria Harbour, marine traffic, weather, and sea conditions.

To give you a better idea of the sailing times, here's a quick rundown:

Remember to check the app for real-time updates on departure and arrival times, as well as service hours and line schedules.

Monthly and Multi-Trip Passages are a convenient option for frequent travelers.

Passengers holding Monthly Passes and Multi-ride Tickets can use the Monthly Pass to gain direct entry to high-speed ferry services on certain days.

On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (except Buddha's Birthday), and weekdays before and after public holidays, Monthly Pass holders can enjoy direct entry to high-speed ferry services at Central Pier 5 and Cheung Chau Ferry Pier.

In 2016, the Transport Department proposed a special monthly ticket passage for the Cheung Chau route, limited to specific days of the month.

The proposed passage was limited to Sundays in July and August and Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays of each month (if the Monday is a public holiday).

The monthly ticket corridor was implemented on 19 August 2017 after a round of preparation, and it was well received by Cheung Chau residents.

However, some residents argued for extending the coverage of the monthly ticket passages to all Cheung Chau residents and all types of vessels, but this was rejected by the NWFF and the Transport Department.

The Transport Department and NWFF cited the complexity of the vetting process and the potential reduction in operational efficiency as reasons for the rejection.

The ridership of Sun Ferry has been a topic of interest over the years. The route between Cheung Chau and Aberdeen was discontinued in 2020 due to low frequency and the fact that Aberdeen is not as convenient as Central in terms of connectivity.

In fact, the route was initially launched in August 2015 but couldn't gain enough traction. Some newspapers even reported in 1999 that this route was a cost-recovery route.

The occupancy rate of the route has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 25,767 average daily patronage in 2014 and a low of 16,899 in 2003.

The ridership of the ferry service between Cheung Chau and the urban areas has been quite consistent over the years, with some fluctuations.

In 1963, the annual patronage was not specified.

The route's occupancy rate has been impressive, with 14,000 passenger trips on weekdays and 28,000 passenger trips on holidays in 1987.

Here's a breakdown of the average daily patronage over the years:

The frequency of the ferry service was increased during holidays, especially the Bun Festival, to ease passenger flow.

The future of outlying island routes is looking promising, with the Government deciding to subsidise the replacement of some routes. The Transport Department has issued a paper to consult the Islands District Council on future service arrangements for the route.

In 2019, the Government decided to subsidise the replacement of the route from five ordinary ships and six fast ships to ten fast ships. Two of the vessels will be converted to 1,000-passenger double-ended ordinary vessels with an open deck on the top floor.

The Transport Department is consulting with the Islands District Council on future service arrangements for the route. This is a significant development, as it will likely impact the way people travel to and from the outlying islands.

Here's a breakdown of the changes planned for the route:

The future of outlying island routes is exciting, and it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the way people travel.

To get the most out of your Sun Ferry experience, it's essential to plan ahead and stay informed.

Sun Ferry's costs and prices can change depending on several factors, so it's best to check the Moovit app for the most up-to-date ferry fares.

You can also visit Sun Ferry's official site to learn more about ride fares and to buy ferry tickets online.

Please note that the Moovit app and Sun Ferry's official site are the best places to find the latest information on ferry fares and ticket prices.