Envision a bustling harbor scene. Ferries glide in and out. This is Hung Hom Ferry Pier. It is more than just a place to catch a boat. Hung Hom Ferry Pier is a landmark with a rich history.
The story of Hung Hom Ferry Pier spans over a century. Around 1903, the first pier emerged at the end of Gillies Avenue. This marked the beginning of Hung Hom’s connection to the sea. By the early 1960s, reclamation projects reshaped the coastline. The original pier was decommissioned.
In 1963, new services were introduced. These included routes to Wan Chai, North Point, Kowloon City, and Kwun Tong. Hung Hom became a central hub for cross-harbor transportation. The annual report for 1963 mentions the addition of four cross-harbour services. The North Point to Hung Hom passenger service started on September 1.
By 1965, the Star Ferry Company joined the scene. It offered services between Victoria City and Hung Hom. This further solidified Hung Hom’s importance in the ferry network. However, the Hung Hom to Victoria (Central) service ended in 1967. The pier building was later demolished around 1972.
The Star Ferry service resumed on November 30, 1975. In January 1976, expansions and reconstructions took place. The Hung Hom to Central line gained exclusive use of the Wanchai pier. In 1978, a new pier was constructed near the old Hung Hom/Central pier. This pier served the Wanchai & North Point lines. The old pier was then decommissioned and demolished.
In 1988, the pier was temporarily relocated. This was to accommodate the Hung Hom Bay Reclamation Project. The temporary pier was situated off Hung Hom South Road. It remained in use until the new pier opened in March 1991. The current Hung Hom Ferry Pier is located on the Hung Hom Promenade.
The new pier has two berths. The east berth is operated by Sun Ferry to North Point. The west berth formerly operated by Star Ferry to Central, but that service ended in 2011.
Today, Hung Hom Ferry Pier stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s maritime history. It connects people and places. It evolves with the times. While new ferry piers may not be necessary due to the MTR network, Hung Hom Ferry Pier remains an important part of the city’s identity.