Certain ferry services in Hong Kong to be suspended during Chinese naval fleet visit

Hongkongers will have to make changes to their transport plans during the visit of a naval fleet led by the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong from Thursday as certain ferry services will be temporarily suspended, with authorities also implementing restrictions in some flying zones.

The Transport Department on Monday evening announced the adjustments, with nine outlying island licensed ferry service routes operating on the western fairway to be suspended gradually between about 7.20am and 9.50am on Thursday, and about 10am and 12pm on July 7.

The affected routes include those between Central and Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Yung Shue Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Discovery Bay. The routes of Aberdeen-Pak Kok Tsuen-Yung Shue Wan, Aberdeen-Sok Kwu Wan via Mo Tat, as well as Ma Wan-Central, will also be affected.

To help residents with the adjustments to services, commuters will be offered free alternative ferry services.

The department said temporary service adjustments for franchised and licensed ferry routes transiting through Victoria Harbour on the morning of July 7 might also be needed.

“The Transport Department and ferry operators will closely monitor the actual situation at sea, and will resume normal ferry services as soon as possible. The ferry and road transport services will be enhanced as needed to ease passenger flow,” it said.