Luwuk branch of ASDP Ferry will also open a new Baturube-Kolonodale route with a distance of 30 to 45 minutes.
"We have obtained approval to open the two new ferry routes in 2012," head of supervision of PT. ASDP Ferry Indonesia, Luwuk branch, Muhammad Nurdin said here Saturday.
He said the two ferry routes are potential, as they will be packed with passengers including cars, motorcycles and trucks carrying farm marine produce.
"A team had already conducted a feasibility study of the two ferry routes and it concluded that they are potential," Nurdin said.
A ship weighing 500 GRT with a capacity of 200 passengers and 20 vehicles will be made available for the Luwuk-Kendari route.
The Luwuk-Kendari route is now covered by a ship of PT. Pelni operating KM. Tolongkabila, and the Baturube-Kolonodale ASDP Ferry route will be transferred to KMP Cakalang II from Luwuk port to cover the route.
KMP. Cakalang II had been covering the route of Luwuk, capital of Banggai regency to Banggai, Bonitan (Banggai Islandsd, SE Sulawesi), Taliabu and Sanana (Sula regency, North Maluku).
Nurdin said the two new routes will speed up the marketing of farm and marine produce, and the transportation of passengers.
ASDP Ferry, Luwuk branch, covers Luwuk port to Banggai, Salakan, Bonitan (Banggai Islands) Taliabu and Sanan (North Maluku).
The ferry port of Pagimana (Banggai regency) with KMP. Baronang covers Gorontalo route. Ampana port(Tojouna-una regency SE Sulawesi) operated KMP.
Tanjung Api with the Dolong route (Tojouna-una regency, SE Sulawesi), Parigi (Parigi Moutong regency, C Sulawesi) and Pohuato port (Marisa regency, Gorontalo). KMP Tuna Tomini with the route Ampana, Gorontalo and Wakai (Tojouna-una regency). (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
