It is reported that the Zhongshan Maritime Safety Administration, in collaboration with shipping companies such as Zhongshan-Hong Kong Passenger Shipping Co-op Ltd. and Foshan Gaoming Mingzhu Passenger Shipping Co-op Ltd., has been studying the trial of the new "Longheng Waterway" route for high-speed passenger vessels traveling between Zhongshan and Hong Kong. After a period of trial evaluation, it has been determined that the new "Longheng Waterway" route for high-speed vessels traveling from Zhongshan and Foshan to Hong Kong not only saves about 10 minutes of travel time but also allows vessels to avoid the irregular traffic control measures and complex navigation conditions of the original Hengmen East Waterway, thereby enhancing both vessel navigation and passenger safety.
Reporters learned that the original Hengmen East Waterway has faced certain navigation restrictions due to the frequent entry and exit of large transport vessels carrying components for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The trial of this new route for high-speed passenger vessels not only improves travel efficiency and reduces operating costs but also alleviates traffic pressure on the Hengmen East Waterway, achieving a "win-win" result.
Maritime authorities stated that they encourage high-speed passenger vessels to choose the "Longheng Waterway" provided that they are familiar with the new route and that navigation safety is ensured. Additionally, the maritime authorities revealed that they will actively urge shipping companies to update the "Route Overview" section of their "Route Operation Manual" in accordance with safety management system requirements, organize training for crew members to familiarize them with the new route as soon as possible, and strive to get the new route into regular operation at an early date.
