Two new ferry boats linking Pingtan's Aodong town and Nanhai township in Fujian province are ready for operation. [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Authorities of Pingtan, Fujian province recently upgraded two ferry boats linking its Aodong town and Nanhai township. The new boats were put into use on Feb 1, local news portal ptnet.cn reported.

With nearly 23 meters long and eight meters wide, the new boats have 85 seats. They also house jumbo-sized televisions to broadcast safety knowledge and entertainment programs.

The official claimed that the new boats are much safer and more comfortable than the old ones. He also predicted that it will only take forty minutes to go from Aodong to Tangyu, the farthest islet of Nanhai township, by the new boats, nearly 20 minutes quicker than before.

The official also said that the ticket price for the new boats remains unchanged, and discounts are available for special groups. For instance, boarding is free for the elderly and half price for students, teachers and migrant workers.

The upgrading of shuttle ferries is part of the local authorities' plan to improve traffic to and from the islets to make them more accessible, which in turn will help promote their tourism sector.