If it is successful, the 2,292-ton Ocean LaLa will ply the route with a speed up to 35 knots.

“The distance will be covered in two hours 10 minutes,” said Lu Chu-chun, spokesman for the Excalibur International Marine Corporation that owns the Ocean LaLa.

Taichung Port Authority said permission could be granted to Excalibur to operate the ferry service “in a few days” after the test run.

“Our ferry service will be very competitive,” Lu said.

Prices are right, Lu added. A one-way ticket costs NT$1,300 (US$40). The one discounted is priced at NT$1,100 (US$35).

An airplane ticket costs NT$1,610 (US$50).

The Ocean LaLa can accommodate up to 536 passengers. Altogether 54 cars and six tourist buses can also be ferried. An extra charge of NT$3,000 (US$95) will be collected per car aboard.

Lu believes many people will take the ferry to go to the Pescadores, which will be linked with China shortly by direct flights.

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