Retired’ Penang Ferry Return Mulled By Penang State Gov

Image credits to Youtube

The iconic but now retired Penang Ferry service could see a return, albeit serving just passengers and motorcycles. The service, which also served to transport cars, was reportedly retired back in 2020.

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, he states that four new ferries have been ordered before the current administration took office whereas the ferry project is upon its completion order.

Loke recently discussed his plans with the Penang Port Commission and emphasised the difficulties in renovating the old terminal although there may be operational issues to accommodate new ferries too.

"We will look into what form of operation this iconic ferry will take whether it will be a tourist ferry, a roro ferry, or a museum ferry,’’ he told Bernama.

Aside from that, the renovation project on both the island and mainland terminals will not accommodate ferry operations involving four-wheeled vehicles. This is because the new ferry services will only transport passengers and two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles and bicycles) starting August 1.

However, the public is welcome to use speedboats service, which have been in operation since Jan 1, 2021, as an alternate means of transportation to get to the island from Seberang Perai.