Floating bookstore to call at Penang port next month

‘Doulos Hope’ coming to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in George Town, Penang. — Filepic

THE Doulos Hope ship is set to call at Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) between May 25 and June 20 this year.

The public will be allowed to board the ship to buy books.

According to state publisher Buletin Mutiara, Penang is on the list of Doulos Hope’s future ports of call, alongside Singapore, Port Klang, Pasir Gudang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu (dates to be confirmed).

The vessel is now docked in Penang Port to complete its renovation works and is scheduled to leave for Singapore at the end of April before returning to Penang.

Doulos Hope director Mark Knight and port engagement director Augusta Davin paid Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow a courtesy visit at his office in George Town to share the ship’s future plans.

It is among the vessels managed by GBA Ships, a non-profit organisation based in Germany that operates ships to promote international understanding through cultural exchange programmes, community service initiatives and floating book fairs.

(From left) Davin and Knight visiting Chow at the latter’s office in George Town.

Knight said this ship was the latest addition to its fleet.

“We look forward to more Malaysians joining our team,” he said.

He extended an invitation to Chow to launch the welcome ceremony when the ship calls at SPCT.

“Doulos” means “servant” in Greek and thus the ship’s name means “Servant of Hope”.

Built in 1991, she was originally a cruise ship before being repurposed into a floating library and bookstore.

She measures 85.5m in length and is 14m wide.