Taiwan recently launched a high-speed ferry that seeks to improve express logistics and tourism between Taiwan and China.

Natchan RERA, the Taiwanese cross-strait ferry is the first of its kind to be registered under the Republic of China. The ferry route was officially launched by the Wagon Group from Taipei on May 27.

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Natchan RERA first set sail from the Bali District's Port of Taipei to Pingtan in Fujian province.

Hung Ching-tan, president of Wagon, said that the closest port in mainland China from Taiwan is Pingtan. He said that launch seeks to attract more tourists and to compensate for the air traffic logistics deficiencies being experienced in the area.

Hung hopes that the high-speed ferry will contribute to the possibility of making Taiwan an international transit hub.

With the high-speed ferry launched, Wagon said that it is now possible for tourists to enjoy a one-day holidays either in Taiwan or in China.

The reported ferry speed can take passengers in just three hours in a single trip from Taipei to Pingtan, while a round trip is estimated to take about six hours.

The new ferry scheme also allows travelers to visit Kinmen and Matsu, two outlying islands before reaching Fujian. The islands are part of a 'mini-three links' that the company launched in 2001.

Natchan RERA also has an 800-passenger capacity and can carry up to 300 sedan cars and 24 tourist buses. Seats are divided into three classes, which are first class, business class and economy class.

Wagon has also released a fixed schedule of the ferry's round trip service between the two countries. Trips are available every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Besides Natchan RERA, two Chinese-owned boats are currently offering tourists regular ferry services for the two countries. Besides Pingtan, it also links Xiamen, which is also located in Fujian.

China's Ministry of Transportation and Communications have endorsed Wagon's new line. It hopes that tourists coming from the mainland will use the new transportation scheme between China and Taiwan to experience a more engaging and fun-filled cultural experience.

TagsHigh-Speed Ferry, Natchan RERA, Travel, tourism