The Macau SAR Government has announced it will conduct an open tender for the operation of the Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal. The current franchise for the terminal is operated by Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, S.A. (STDM). STDM is the parent company of Macau casino concessionaire SJM Resorts.
STDM was last granted a license to operate the Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal In October 2018, including the responsibility to manage its commercial space for a period of 66 months.
With those rights set to expire, the government revealed via the official gazette that it will conduct an open tender to determine who will operate the terminal in the future.
The requirements of the public bidding process have not yet been announced, however it is known the successful bidder will be responsible for and bear the risk of operating the Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal, as well as managing and operating its commercial space. A monthly return of MOP$1,800,800 (US$223,300) must be made to the government.
During the pandemic period from 2020 to 2023, the Macau government granted an exemption to STDM around payment of the monthly return.
Ferry services at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal are currently provided by Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited, which primarily operates between Hong Kong and Macau via the TurboJET brand.
Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited counts Shun Tak Holdings as its parent company, of which Pansy Ho – Co-chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited and controlling shareholder of STDM – is Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director.
