Beneath our feet lies a place of comings and goings. This is the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal. It is more than just a place to catch a boat. The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is a vital link connecting Hong Kong to other places.
The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is in the southern area of Tuen Mun in Hong Kong. It stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s maritime history. It shows how important ferries were before extensive road networks.
Before the late 1990s traffic was unbearable on Tuen Mun Road. Expansion was needed. Ferries became an alternative for travel to Central on Hong Kong Island.
Let’s dive into some history. The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal has evolved to meet the changing needs of travelers. In December 2003, plans surfaced to start ferry service to Macau. The pier needed an upgrade for this. It was converted from one story to two. It also got a fresh coat of paint.
But not all plans go smoothly. In September 2006, authorities in Macau rejected the ferry service application. They cited technical and safety concerns. Finally on January 13, 2011, Hong Kong North West Express Ltd. received licenses. They could operate ferries between Macau’s Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun Pier.
TurboJet began operating four sailings to and from Tuen Mun Pier to Macau. This started on January 28, 2016. Sadly, the Tuen Mun to Macau cross-border passenger ferry service officially ended. On January 28, 2020, cross-border services were suspended. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TurboJET formally proposed to terminate their lease agreement. They returned the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal to the government on June 8, 2021.
The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal also served mainland China. Hong Kong North West Express Limited operated a ferry service to Jiuzhou Port of Zhuhai. This started November 3, 2006. There were four services per day. The journey time was about 40 minutes. That was 30 minutes faster than from Tsim Sha Tsui or Sheung Wan. Sadly, this service ceased operation on October 10, 2007.
Today, the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is more than a transit point. It’s a hub of activity. The MTR Light Rail has a terminus here. It is called Tuen Mun Ferry Pier stop. It opened September 18, 1988.
The Tuen Mun Ferry Pier stop has seven platforms. Platform 2 serves route 507. Platform 3 serves routes 615 and 615P. Platform 4 is for route 610. Routes 614 and 614P use platform 5. Platforms 1 and 6 are for backup. Platform 7 is for alighting only. There is also a customer service center and a bus terminus.
Around the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, there are related developments. Pierhead Garden is a private housing estate. It has six towers, a swimming pool, and a playground. Ocean Walk is a shopping arcade. It has restaurants and shops. It was renovated between 2005 and 2006. It was renamed Ocean Walk.
The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal encapsulates a story of connection. It links Hong Kong to the world. Its past is filled with ambition and adaptation. Its present is a vibrant transportation hub. The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal remains a key part of Hong Kong’s identity. It is a place where journeys begin and memories are made.