New Macau ferry pier to open Oct. 18

A new era for Macau ferry services begins on October 18 with the opening of the new Pac On pier next to the airport, where the Venetian is expected to operate its fleet of high-speed ferries.

According to Macau government sources, the pier will open with temporary berths and in its first month of operations will have only day-time sailings. The remainder of the facility will be completed in 2009.

Local media reported that two berths would be made available to the Venetian for its 411-seat ferries, and one berth would be available for a new operator, Dragao Gigante Transportes Maritimos (DGTM), believed to be a joint venture between local tycoon Ng Fok and an unnamed international group. It will run gigantic 1,200-seat boats.

The Venetian is obviously planning to start its service on October 18, as that is the day its first exhibitions will be staged and it is the beginning of the NBA China Games, which are being held at its 15,000-seat indoor arena. See our interview with Stephen Weaver, the Venetian's president for Asia.

The Venetian is understood to have received approval from the Hong Kong government to run its ferries from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. DGTM, however, has yet to receive approval for its ferries to run from the Hong Kong terminal.