The Maritime Administration (CP) has begun investigating the abrupt service suspension of the North West Express ferry service, while urging the company to provide a plan as to how customers will be reimbursed, according to a statement quoted by The Macau Post Daily today.
North West Express is the only ferry company providing a service between Macau and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier in Hong Kong. The company is reported to be in the midst of a row over renting berths at the pier
The company said in a statement that the reason behind the service suspension was due to mechanical failure on its two catamarans, adding that service would resume once the vessels have been repaired.
The Maritime Administration stated that some of its officials went to Hong Kong last week to talk to representatives of the ferry company about the berth rental issue.
The Maritime Administration also requested North West Express to immediately refund customers and provide a back-up plan if the company can no longer use the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier.
The statement also said that appropriate penalties would be imposed if the Maritime Administration discovers any breach of contract by the company, including fines and termination of its concession.
North West Express Company has come to public attention in the past few weeks, as it unexpectedly announced on June 12 that evening services would be suspended until further notice.
A week later, the company stated that it would stop the pre-sale of tickets from June 28. The company then insisted this was due to its computer system being upgraded.(macaunews)
