Launch of Hainan ferry service

A direct rail-ferry service between Hainan and Guangdong provinces completed its maiden voyage in early January. The train, loaded with motor vehicles, made the 20km trip in 50 minutes. The crossing on a 165- metre-long special ferry marked the completion of the Yn4.5bn railway line from Zhanjiang in Guangdong to Haikou. Normal passenger operations are expected to start in the second half of this year, according to the operator of the service, Yue-Hai Company.