Chinese tour vessel operator Shanghai Jiushi Suzhou Creek Tourism Development Company has begun sailings of a new fleet of electric inland sightseeing boats.
The first 12 boats to enter service each have a length of 14.8 metres and twin outboard engines powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries to ensure low noise and zero-pollution sailings. The vessels' small size will enable them to easily navigate the creek, which is characterised by a narrow width, numerous low-hanging bridges, sharp turns, and shallow depth in some stretches.
Six of the boats have open-top designs and space for 11 passengers while the remaining six have enclosed cabins with panoramic windows, onboard toilets, and seating for up to 20 passengers. Design work on the vessels was done in compliance to China Classification Society rules.
The boats' area of operations encompasses the Suzhou Creek that passes through Shanghai. The introduction of these boats coincides with the recent official opening of the Suzhou Creek tourist water route. The creek itself possesses historical and cultural significance, having been used as a major trade route for silk and ceramics during the Tang Dynasty (617 CE to 907 CE). In the centuries that followed, the waterway became one of Shanghai's first industrial hubs.
The industrial expansion of Suzhou Creek and the surrounding area over the years had left it heavily polluted by the late twentieth century. This then prompted a massive restoration and shore redevelopment campaign, and the route is now once again open to passenger traffic.
The initial trial operation of the new hop-on, hop-off boats is ongoing. The operation covers 17 kilometres of the 125-kilometre-long creek with four stops and a total one-way sailing time of approximately two hours.
By the time public sailings commence before the end of this year, another four stops will be included for a total of eight and three tour options will be offered. One option is for group tours and will cover the route between Changfeng Park and Changhua Road jetties. The second option is for individual travellers and will cover the Waitanyuan, Sihang Warehouse, and Changhua Road jetties. The last option is a customised tour service and will mainly be for guests who will use the boats for leisure and corporate activities.
