91 INTERVIEW Staying ahead in a changing market Max Tan gives Justin Merrigan an insight into Majestic Fast Ferry’s evolution and its approach to more environmentally sustainable operations Since its inception in 2014, Majestic Fast Ferry has rapidly established itself as a key player on Singapore Strait, offering high-speed connections between Singapore and Indonesia’s Riau Islands. Under the leadership of managing director Max Tan, the company has built the youngest fleet in the region and set a new standard for passenger ferry operations in Southeast Asia. Launched with just a handful of vessels operating between Singapore and Batam, Majestic Fast Ferry was born out of a desire to raise the bar for comfort, safety and efficiency in a market long dominated by older tonnage. Tan and his partners saw an opportunity to reshape the passenger experience through modern vessels, clear branding and a hands-on operational model. “As an owner and operator, it was the right move as we worked well with our partners to create a product that is different and stands out from the existing players,” says Tan. “Being the youngest player meant we had to build ferries to the latest High Speed Craft codes – and that’s what took us to the next level.” Those newer vessels gave Majestic Fast Ferry a commercial and operational edge. With an expanding fleet designed and constructed in close partnership with Incat Crowther in Sydney, Australia, and PT Cahaya Samudra Shipyard in Batam, the company quickly extended its network to cover key routes such as Singapore–Batam Centre, Sekupang and Tanjung Pinang. In an increasingly competitive cross-border market, Majestic Fast Ferry has been able to offer passengers a more modern and reliable experience while maintaining high levels of safety and efficiency. Still, challenges persist – and many are beyond the control of operators. One of the biggest concerns for Majestic Fast Ferry is the impact of post-pandemic immigration policy on passenger numbers. “We have yet to see Indonesia relax the visa on arrival (VOA) requirement,” says Tan. “Pre-Covid,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=