Electric ferries buzz Saen Saep canal ahead of August launch
Twelve electric ferry boats that will ply the eastern end of Bangkok’s Saen Saep canal from August were anointed in a religious ceremony on Monday.
Bangkok deputy governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul presided over rites invoking the boat-guardian spirit Mae Yanang as the e-ferries took a trial run from Wat Si Bun Rueang pier in Bang Kapi district to Minburi District Office pier in Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan.
Each boat has 40 seats and is powered by solar panels and batteries. The batteries will take 90-120 minutes to charge and run for 2-3 hours before being switched at piers when they run out of power.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration says the boats will cause fewer waves, less noise, be eco-friendly and will discharge no waste along their 11-kilometre route.
The route will feature 12 stops and link with the existing ferry service to central Bangkok at Wat Si Boon Rueang pier.
Construction of eight piers is currently underway and due for completion by August. The e-ferry service will operate from 5.30am-8.30pm, except on public holidays when it will run 6am-7pm.
The e-ferries are due to start running around the end of August this year.
