We won't start a fare war, says Weaver

The Venetian Macao will not start a fare war with Macau's incumbent ferry operators, Shun Tak’s Turbojet and New World’s First Ferry, according to the group's president for Asia, Stephen Weaver.

“Ticket prices are not the main game for us,” Weaver said in an exclusive interview with Destination Macau. “We won’t start a price war.”

What Weaver does promise, however, is a revolution in service standards for ferry passengers bound for Macau. The Venetian has taken delivery of one of its new fleet of high-speed ferries from Austal, an Australian-based boat builder, and has leased two from its operating partner, Chu Kong Shipping (CKS). Others will be phased into service over the next four to five months, until the initial order of 10 vessels has been delivered.

Once more berths have been finished at Pak On, the Venetian plans to start running services from the Hong Kong International Airport’s Skypier and the China Ferry Terminal in Tsimshatsui. The group is believed to be negotiating routes into Pearl River Delta cities, but executives, Weaver included, have so far declined comment.

The 411-seat ferries, decked out in the Venetian’s Cotai Strip livery, are powered by four Rolls Royce jet engines that meet European Union emission standards, making them more environmentally friendly. Special “ride stabilizers” will ensure a smooth sailing, even in rough seas. Inside, too, the ferries offer a step up in style, with all-leather seats and overhead storage bins. The upper deck is for first-class passengers.

“We have fully refurbished the CKS boats as well,” Weaver said, adding that “Our service standards will be what really sets us apart.” The crew will be trained by the group’s hotel management team. A wider array of onboard refreshments will be offered, while an onboard check-in system is being worked on for implementation in the near future.

Weaver confirmed that the group was looking at additional ferry purchases, but had not yet decided whether to take more of the 47.5-meter boats or a slightly smaller, 40-meter model that carries 325 passengers.

Bookings will be available from October 18 at www.cotaijet.com.mo or by calling +852 2859 158 in Hong Kong and +853 2885 0595 in Macau.