Chonburi –
Update to this article, November 10th, 2021: “The Blue Dolphin” will definitely commence on November 15th from Sattahip to Songkhla and return to Sattahip on 17th.. and continue a weekly service, increasing in sailings as volumes hopefully grow.. anyone interested should call 0858426023 (Sattahip) or 0858426021 (Songkhla).
The delay from sailing on the 8th was partly caused by last-minute cancellations and the very high tides during this week causing the ramp angles to be quite steep.
Passengers are allowed although for the maiden voyage we will be limiting numbers. The vessel can take 550 passengers.. we will be following Covid-19 regulations which means they should be vaccinated or have a negative antigen test within 72 hours before boarding. You are more than welcome to visit the vessel at Chuksamet for a tour.
Original article:
A ferry service from the eastern region of Chonburi to the southern area of Songkhla will be officially launched tomorrow, November 8th, after a long delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The car ferry, which was previously scheduled to be operated in May, is operated by the Seahorse Ferries Company who bought the three-decker “Blue Dolphin” from Japan for 200 million baht.
The ferry was renovated and could now accommodate up to 586 passengers*(See update below for an important notice on public passengers), 80 lorries, and 20 cars. It also facilitates passengers with guestrooms, a restaurant, an entertainment zone, and a lobby.
The launch of the operation is aimed to potentially revive the tourism industry and domestic economy in Songkhla and Chonburi provinces during the Covid-19 situation, according to the Marine Department.
The route will depart from the Chuk Samet Pier in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province on Monday at 2:00 PM. and arrive at the Songkhla port at about 10:00 AM. on Tuesday.
The one-way trip is about 330 nautical miles (611 kilometers) in distance and takes about 20 hours which is significantly faster than the road transport which takes approximately about 1,130 kilometers or about 23-24 hours, according to authorities. TPN media notes driving times seem to vary from reader reports and official estimates.
TPN media notes, however, that certain Covid-19 restrictions and rules may apply to the journey, especially those going to Songkhla which remains a “deep red” zone as classified by the Thai government and has a mandatory overnight curfew, along with many other restrictions and rules. Those interested in making the journey should inquire with officials at the Chuk Samet Pier in regards to requirements.
UPDATE: TPN media has confirmed that the ferry service has stated that, due to Covid-19, public passengers will NOT be allowed on the ferry service until further notice and the current trips will primarily be for logistics. We will provide an update when this changes.
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