Penang's new ferry unveiled in Vietnam shipyard

GEORGE TOWN: Photos of Penang's new ferry, currently docked at a shipyard in Haiphong, Vietnam, have surfaced on social media.

The Teluk Bahang ferry with the name imprinted on the side piqued the curiosity of users when they caught sight of it.

While many were excited by the vessel's impending introduction, others were concerned about the fate of the old ferries and hoped they would be allowed to return to service.

A spokesman for Penang Port Sdn Bhd said the vessel, the first of four commissioned, was scheduled for delivery between June and August.

"It will undergo tests on the water in Vietnam before (being sent to) Penang where it will be tested again before starting service.

"The rest of the vessels will arrive in stages," the spokesman said.

The old double-decker ferries, which could transport both passengers and vehicles, were retired in 2021 because of the high maintenance cost.