Penang Port to scrap iconic ferries after Pulau Kapas sinks

The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has announced plans to dispose of its iconic ferries following the capsize of the Pulau Kapas ferry at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) early today.

The Star reported that the retired Penang ferry “Pulau Kapas” sank at the Butterworth Wharf on Tuesday (July 23).

Penang Port decision to dispose ferries

Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of PPC, confirmed that the Pulau Kapas ferry, alongside other decommissioned ferries, would be disposed of due to severe decay rendering repairs impossible.

The decision comes after the ferry sank at PSAH, highlighting the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of the fleet.

Yeoh stated, “The ferries could no longer be kept afloat due to serious decay. Repair works are no longer viable.”

The Pulau Kapas ferry, which was docked at Pier 2 of PSAH, suffered a leak that made it irreparable.

Immediate actions were taken, including adding more mooring lines and installing an oil boom to contain any potential oil spill from the engine room.

Salvage efforts of Pulau Kapas ferry

Despite efforts to salvage the Pulau Kapas ferry, all attempts failed due to the extensive rotting and corrosion of its hull.

PPC general manager Vijayaindiaran R. Visvalingam told The Star, “Its hull has been rotting for some time, and corrosion set in since it was ‘parked’ at the wharf from 2018.”

A meeting is scheduled to decide whether to attempt another salvage or to scrap the ferry entirely.

Earlier today, the ferry began to lean on its side and eventually sank at around 3 am, reportedly due to strong winds snapping its mooring ropes.

This incident further emphasises the urgent need to address the issue of the ageing fleet.

Pulau Kapas is one of four ferries decommissioned on December 31, 2020, alongside Pulau Undan, Pulau Paya, and Pulau Talang Talang.

PPC had received several offers from companies to buy or rent the iconic ferries, but high costs and inappropriate docking locations posed significant challenges.

“There were no takers for ferries to be converted into restaurants due to the high cost,” said Visvalingam.

This lack of interest and the logistical challenges have ultimately led to the decision to dispose of the ferries.

Yeoh further explained, “PPC has decided to dispose of the iconic ferries. The main issue is the overall high costs and inappropriate locations to dock the ferries.”

The sinking of the Pulau Kapas ferry marks the end of an era for Penang’s iconic ferries.

As PPC moves forward with plans to dispose of the fleet, the focus will shift to ensuring safety and exploring sustainable solutions for the port’s future operations.

For more information on the developments and updates on the disposal process, visit the PPC website or contact their office directly.