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)