MPA Approves Ferry Operator For Singapore-Desaru Trips
UPDATE (22 Jun): Batamfast will start operating ferry services between Singapore and Desaru from 7 Jul. You can find their full statement below.
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Prior to the pandemic, trips to the Johor seaside escape Desaru Coast entailed long drives via the Causeway or a boat ride to a ferry terminal some distance away and yet another drive.
However, the journey is set to look a lot easier, after the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) approved a ferry service for trips between Singapore and several Johor terminals.
Indonesian ferry operator Batamfast will operate the trips. Ticketing schedules will appear on the websites for Batamfast and Desaru Link Ferry Service from 30 Jun.
Batamfast to manage Singapore-Desaru ferry services
In a press release on Tuesday (21 Jun), MPA announced the approval of Batamfast’s operation of ferry services between Singapore and Desaru.
It will transport passengers from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (DCFT) in Johor.
Source: S Iswaran on Facebook
At the time, MPA added that the commencement of the service is pending Batamfast’s final preparations such as obtaining approval from other authorities.
It has also approved an alternative route for Batamfast to operate in the event of rough weather or sea conditions. This route will lead to Tanjung Pengelih instead of DCFT.
Transport Minister S Iswaran announced the approval on Facebook, stating:
The start of the ferry service between Singapore and Desaru is another step forward in restoring connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia.
Trips for Singapore-Desaru ferry services to start from 7 Jul
According to The Straits Times (ST), Batamfast’s partner Desaru Link Ferry Service has issued a press release on ticket prices and schedules.
The ferry service between Singapore and Desaru will begin operations on 7 Jul. Tickets and service schedules will be available as well on Desaru Coast’s and Batamfast’s official website from 30 Jun.
Once operations begin, the ferry service will host one round trip daily from Thursday to Sunday.
Each trip will take around 90 minutes and have a capacity of 330 passengers for the initial months.
If demand for the service increases, the service may increase the capacity as well as the number of trips they are operating.
MPA assured safety of Batamfast before approval
Back in April, MPA first announced it was willing to approve a ferry service between Desaru and Singapore only if it had fulfilled the safety requirements beforehand.
After receiving an application by Batamfast on 23 Mar, MPA requested to conduct a navigational safety assessment.
This included an attestation by certifying authorities that Batamfast’s ferries were fit for the trips and an emergency response plan was available for the route between both terminals.
Batamfast submitted these details and MPA gave it the green light to operate, as its safety measures were within the regulations.
Looking forward to trips with Batamfast
With the seemingly endless Causeway jams, an alternative way to travel is great news for those seeking a quick getaway.
The sea breeze will certainly offer a cooling reprieve from city life.
If you’re planning to visit Desaru by sea soon, keep your eyes peeled for the schedules which will be out on 30 Jun.
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Featured image adapted from Isz Fahizal Ismail on Facebook.
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