Blue Dolphins is already exempt from VAT charges by the Board of Investment and will start ferry tests from Sattahip. The tests are expected to be completed this month.

Its 7,003-gross-tonnage ferries, each measuring 136.60 metres in length with a top speed of 17 knots (31.48Km/ h), were certified safe by the Marine Department on March 12.

Saksayam said the ferry services would benefit transport operators and companies.

Water transport on the new route will be beneficial in connecting the Eastern Economic Corridor with the Southern Economic Corridor, enhancing the potential of water transport, reducing costs and accidents from land transportation and effectively reducing the PM 2.5 dust pollution problem.

New marine transport route set to connect EEC with Southern Economic Corridor

Seahorse Ferries is interested in running transport services with the Blue Dolphins ferry on a new marine route between Chon Buri (Sattahip Commercial Port), Prachuap Khiri Khan and Songkhla provinces, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchod said.