Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 3 1 Brilliance of Majestic is one of the newest ships to join the Majestic Fast Ferries fleet increasing our fleet annually, we believe this gives us some difficulties and it certainly reduces the ‘drive’ for us to commit more vessels into this market. Despite this, Tan is focused on the future. “We are encouraged by numbers on the Tanah Merah service which were boosted with the opening of Jewel Changi Airport – a mainly retail complex,” he says. “Before opening the service, the only ferry link for airport travellers from Batam Centre was via the HarbourFront ferry terminal. So, we have closed the gap between Singapore and the Riau Islands in very real terms; we are easing the congestion and increasing traffic for both countries.” The airport link is primarily served by a Majestic Grace-class vessel. These are highly comfortable 317-passenger, 39-metre-long, fuel-efficient catamarans designed by Incat Crowther. Travel time from Singapore to Batam is one hour and large numbers of Singapore residents take the opportunity to sail across to Indonesia for day trips or weekend excursions, with tourists also appreciating the fast link across the Strait. Majestic Fast Ferry’s most recent high- quality vessels are the Incat Crowther 42-metre-long Brilliance of Majestic and Excellence of Majestic built by PT Cahaya Samudra in Batam. A third vessel of this class is currently under construction. “The Brilliance class is driven by the requirement to carry more passengers more efficiently and at greater speed, while giving business class passengers an exclusive experience,” Tan explains. “From day one of operations, Majestic Fast Ferry is the only operator to have used ultra-low sulphur fuel for our vessels. Every time there is a new technology available, we will carry out feasibility studies on sustainability in terms of environment and commercial efficiency. We’ll continue to follow this commitment.” CFR “From day one of operations, Majestic Fast Ferry is the only operator to have used ultra-low sulphur fuel” Photo: Justin Merrigan