At least two consortiums have expressed initial interest in bidding for routes operated by Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings), following the Government's move on Thursday to invite submissions.
The Government is inviting submissions of interest for 12 routes operated by Hong Kong Ferry's Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry (HYF).
HKR International and Citic Pacific's jointly owned ferry operating unit Discovery Bay Transportation Services declared its interest in bidding for operation of the franchised ferry services yesterday.
CTS-Parkview Holdings, a 50:50 joint venture between China Travel Service (Hong Kong) and the Hong Kong Parkview Group said its ferry services arm, CTS-Parkview Ferry Services, would also look at the opportunity.
The Government's move to invite potential bidders' interest on 12 routes now run by HYF followed a deadlock in negotiations with Hong Kong Ferry on the amount of land premium payable to the proposed Central pier redevelopment.
The Government asked for a premium of $1.7 billion, down from the original $2.7 billion, but Hong Kong Ferry appealed for the amount to be lowered substantially, to $190 million.
CTS-Parkview Ferry Services operates three ferry routes from Hong Kong: to Macau, to Shenzhen Airport and to Guangzhou Economic & Technological Development District.