Arrival of PLA naval ships for National Day to disrupt some Hong Kong ferries

Some ferry services in Hong Kong will be disrupted during peak hours to accomodate two PLA naval vessels visiting this week, while bus services will be stepped up to reduce the impact on commuters.

The Transport Department said on Sunday that ferry services would be interrupted on Tuesday and Friday. It called on residents to plan appropriately and set aside sufficient time for travel.

The city will welcome the People’s Liberation Army’s training vessel, the Qi Jiguan, and the amphibious landing ship the Yimeng Shan to mark National Day on October 1.

The vessels will be harboured at the Stonecutters Island military barracks from Tuesday to Friday.

The affected ferry services are mostly those connecting Central to the outlying islands, including Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Lamma, Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay, as well as a route between Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau.

The department also said departure times for ferries travelling through Victoria Harbour, such as the Hong Kong Water Taxi, Star Ferry service and North Point to Hung Hom ferry, could be adjusted by up to 30 minutes.