2
A month later it went into service, and at the same time, three
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more HM25 were ordered a $12 million package deal which pleased their
manufacturers, Hovermarine Transport Limited, of Southampton, since it
was the largest single order in the company's history.
The Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company had no hestitation giving
British marine exports this shot in the arm.
At the time of the announcement of the deal, Mr. Edmund Lau,
managing director of the Hong Kong and Yaunati Ferry Company, said: "The
performance of the first hoverferry was extraordinary. When it became
clear that our enthusiasm was shared by our commuters
and 1,000 on weekends - we decided to buy three more.
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700 on weekdays
"These craft will be used in our regular commuter and recreation
services, and both the HYF and Hovermarine are confident that other
countries in Southeast Asia will follow our lead.
"The Hi2 hoverferry is the most advanced high speed commercial
craft now in operation anywhere, and we have no doubt it has opened a new
era in water transport in Hong Kong.'
Commuters pay $2 a trip between Central and Tsuen Wan. They
travel in comfort, and the journey is cut from the 40-minute trip on
regular vessels to 15-20 minutes on the hoverferry, depending on sea
surface conditions.
The Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company is the largest passenger
ferry company in the world. Its present fleet of 81 vessels carries 180
million passengers annually on 25 different services within the Hong Kong
harbour area, The routes served range from three to 20 miles in distance.