NAHA –
A brand new ferry service linking Ishigaki Island and Taiwan has begun operations, marking the return of a daily maritime route between the 2 locations for the primary time in 18 years.
The ferry, named Yaima Maru and operated by Shosen Yaima, is 160 meters lengthy and options 122 passenger cabins, with capability for as much as 545 passengers.
The vessel connects Ishigaki Port with Keelung in northern Taiwan, overlaying the roughly 270-kilometer route in about eight hours every approach.
Regular ferry companies between Ishigaki and Taiwan have been discontinued in 2008. The launch of Yaima Maru restores the route after an 18-year absence.
On May twenty ninth, Yaima Maru made its first arrival at Ishigaki Port, the place a commemorative ceremony was held. Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama and different native officers welcomed representatives from Taiwan to have a good time the event.
Nakayama mentioned: “I hope this route will encourage more people to travel between our regions, create new business opportunities and exchanges, revitalize the local economy, and provide greater opportunities for international interaction among younger generations.”
For the time being, Yaima Maru will function one spherical journey per week. The service is scheduled to extend to 2 spherical journeys per week starting in July.
Source: OTV