Exclusive | Hong Kong’s own Fisherman’s Wharf? Star Ferry boss envisions buoyant future for struggling icon
- General manager David Chow promises lower fare adjustment from 100 per cent raise earlier proposed
- Star Ferry in talks with authorities for facelift that will convert piers into entertainment and cultural hotspot to raise non-fare revenue
The man behind the “Save Star Ferry” campaign has vowed not to give up on Hong Kong’s sailing icon, saying the firm is keen to revamp its three piers into a cultural and entertainment hotspot that can rival the famed Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The Star Ferry Company is also in discussion with the government on lowering its fare increases from an earlier proposed 100 per cent raise, according to general manager David Chow Cheuk-yin.
Chow revealed the details amid calls from lawmakers for transport authorities to act over what they described as “shockingly high” fare increases.
In an interview with the Post, Chow said he would exhaust all options to prevent the heavily indebted tourist attraction from sinking, denying plans to sell the company or look for other investors.
“We’ve never thought of giving up on Star Ferry nor looking for investors. All I want is to revitalise it and help it survive. This year is Star Ferry’s 125th anniversary and we hope to make the business sustainable,” he said.
“We also hope to turn Star Ferry into an international brand name for overseas tourists. It is not just another ferry, but one of Hong Kong’s landmarks, providing a unique leisure experience for passengers. This is something we have taken pride in.”
Chow spelled out his vision for the struggling business under a campaign he spearheaded last March, calling for ideas to save the icon as it was expected to be in debt past 2047 after accruing losses totalling more than HK$85 million (US$10.8 million) since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
