Electric ferries to ply Chao Phraya soon
Commuters will soon be able to use an electric ferry service down Chao Phraya River, after Energy Absolute (EA) organised a test ride on Friday (August 21).
Fares on the “MINE Smart Ferry” will vary between Bt20 and Bt30.
However, EA still needs to discuss the route for this ferry – which is meant to run between Bangkok’s Sathorn area and Pathum Thani province as well as Sathorn and Samut Prakan – with the Marine Department.
The department’s aim is to find a suitable route for this service, so it does not disturb the current ferry services on the Chao Phraya.
EA director Amorn Sapthaweekul said the new boats use lithium-ion batteries, which don’t just save on energy but also reduce emissions.
He said each boat costs about Bt30 million to produce and some eight to 12 ferries will be ready for service by the end of this year.
Amorn added that 23 electric ferries will be ready to ply the Chao Phraya River by 2021, while another four boats will also be earmarked for tourists.
He added that ferry passengers in Bangkok and surrounding areas should increase from 30,000 daily to nearly 60,000 thanks to the cheaper tickets.
