Firm seeks Darwin-Kupang ferry route

Firm seeks Darwin-Kupang ferry route

JAKARTA (JP): Timor Sea Transport, an Australian shipping
company based in Darwin, Australia is seeking to operate a round
trip ferry service to link Darwin and Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara,
Antara reported yesterday.

Chairman of the communications forum of East Nusa Tenggara,
East Timor, and Australia's Northern Territory businesses, Ferdi
Tanoni, said the Australian company wanted to open the route to
benefit from an increase in the number of Australian tourists
going to eastern Indonesia.

Ferdi, who is also the Australian company's liaison with
Indonesian companies said that tourists from Australia usually
took flights via Denpasar in visiting other parts of eastern
Indonesia.

"If the ferry becomes operational, the trip from Darwin to
eastern Indonesia via Kupang will be much cheaper," he said.

He added that the ferry would take less than 24 hours to cover
the 300 miles between Darwin and Kupang, with a load capacity of
200-250 passengers.

Ferdi said that three companies in Kupang were also assessing
the possibility to cooperate with the Australian company in
operating the ferry.

He said the three companies suggested establishing a
consortium comprised of Indonesia and Australia companies in
operating the ferry.

"We are still negotiating with some Indonesia companies and we
are trying to realize the operation of the ferry soon," Ferdi
said adding that he had already discussed the plan with the
Ministry of Transportation. (08)