Approval granted for new Singapore-Malaysia ferry service

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has approved the application from Indonesian company BatamFast to operate the proposed ferry service of a direct route between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) in Singapore and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (DCFT) in Johor, Malaysia.

On March 23, 2022, the MPA received a proposal from Batamfast, the appointed ferry services operator of Desaru Link Ferry Services, to operate a new ferry service between TMFT and DCFT.

To assess the navigational safety of the new ferry route, the MPA had requested Batamfast to conduct a navigational safety assessment, including an attestation by certifying authorities that the ferries are fit for the proposed voyage, and provide an emergency response plan covering the route between TMFT and DCFT. BatamFast has since submitted the required details.

The MPA has reviewed the submission and assessed that BatamFast has met the safety requirements for the proposed ferry service.

The commencement of the new ferry service is pending BatamFast’s final preparations to operate the service, including obtaining the necessary approvals from other authorities.