East Java Transportation Agency Studies Hydrofoil Fast Boats for Island Routes

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The East Java Transportation Agency (Dishub Jatim) is studying the use of fast boats based on hydrofoil technology to strengthen maritime transport connectivity between islands in the region. “This is an extraordinary technology proposal because it can speed up people’s travel time,” said Head of Dishub Jatim Nyono in Surabaya on Sunday. He explained that hydrofoil fast boats have a speed of around 20 to 40 knots, enabling them to cut travel time compared to the conventional vessels currently in use. According to Nyono, the technology has the potential to support the development of the Trans Laut Jawa Timur programme, which connects a number of island areas. The vessel is designed to have a capacity of around 125 passengers, making it more suitable for demand levels compared to large-capacity ships that require higher operational costs. He cited the previous Banyuwangi-Bali fast boat service, which faced challenges because the ship’s capacity reached around 400 passengers while user numbers were not yet optimal. As a result, the operator required subsidy support to keep operations running. In addition to passenger services, the hydrofoil technology is also being offered to support logistics transport and inter-island crossings. Nyono said Dishub Jatim will continue to study the proposal as part of efforts to improve accessibility for island communities while accelerating the mobility of goods and people across East Java’s islands. According to him, the development of fast and efficient sea transport is an important necessity to support economic growth in the province’s island regions.