Corporate Background

New World First Ferry Services Limited (“First Ferry”) operates five inner harbour and outlying island ferry routes in Hong Kong, including Hung Hom-North Point and Hung Hom-Kowloon City, as well as Central-Cheung Chau, Central-Mui Wo and Inter Islands (between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau). First Ferry has a daily traffic footfall up to 34,000 passengers (as of 31 December, 2009).

First Ferry is jointly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and NWS Holdings Limited. NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), embraces a diversified range of businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports & Logistics projects. Its Services division comprises Facilities Management (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Free Duty), Contracting & Transport (Hip Hing Construction and bus and ferry services) and Financial Services (Tricor).

Fleet Investment

First Ferry believes in perpetual improvement. Upon service commencement in 2000, First Ferry invested HK$150 million to acquire 15 vessels and auxiliary assets. First Ferry further invested over HK$130 million to acquire a new fleet of eight high-speed catamarans. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate 200 to 400 passengers, each of the new double-deck catamaran is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 26 knots. The new high-speed catamarans are earmarked to provide luxurious and comfortable sea voyage for passengers with the latest navigational aids and vessel facilities.