XN000022-1975-04-17 — Page 8

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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.