The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has approved the application from Batamfast Pte Ltd to operate the proposed direct ferry service route between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) in Singapore and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (DCFT) in Johor, Malaysia.
According to MPA, it had on March 23, received a proposal from Batamfast, the appointed ferry services operator of Desaru Link Ferry Services, to operate a new ferry service between the route.
To assess the navigational safety of the new ferry route, MPA said it had requested Batamfast to conduct a navigational safety assessment, including an attestation by certifying authorities that the ferries were fit for the proposed voyage, and provide an emergency response plan covering the route, according to Bernama.
“BatamFast has since submitted the required details. MPA has reviewed the submission and assessed that Batamfast has met the safety requirements for the proposed ferry service,” MPA said in a statement today.
MPA said it has also informed Batamfast, Johor Port Authority, and Malaysian Marine Department today that it has approved Batamfast’s application to operate the proposed ferry service.
Besides the proposed direct route between TMFT and DCFT, MPA said it has also approved Batamfast’s application of an alternative route between TMFT and Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal, to be utilised in the event of inclement weather or rough sea conditions.
“The commencement of the new ferry service is pending Batamfast’s final preparations to operate this new ferry service, including obtaining the necessary approvals from other authorities,” it said.
