Southern Seaways
 | |
| Type | Public Limited Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ferry Transport |
| Founded | 1697 AN |
| Headquarters | Joseph Town, South Sea Islands |
| Area served |
Prince Æthelstan Research Station |
Southern Seaways is a public limited ferry company, contracted by the Government of the South Sea Islands to provide passenger transport between the different territories of the South Sea Islands.The company's most popular route runs between Joseph Town and Zuid-Richel seaport.
History
In the early days of the South Sea Islands, settlers lived only on Trinity Island. During this period, passengers traveling by sea would need to buy tickets on a cargo ship, where primitive accommodation and food were provided. As the population of the Commonwealth increased and demand for travel rose in parallel, calls began for the government to operate a dedicated passenger line linking Trinity Island to the outside world.
While the government initially resisted this, citing the high costs of running such a service and the small number of potential passengers, this all changed when settlers claimed Grand Wulfram island for the Commonwealth in 1553.
Supporting the settlement of the new island, and making sure it became a cohesive part of the South Sea Islands, was suddenly one of the government's key priorities. A secondhand ferry from Nova England was quickly purchased, and the first service set sail in 1555. This first ferry was for foot passengers only, and any large items or vehicles would need to be shipped separately on a cargo vessel.
As the population of the South Sea Islands increased, the frequency of crossings increased in parallel, with newer generations of vessels being purchased as time went on.
Services
In the present day, Southern Seaways operates a twice-daily service between Joseph Town and the seaport on Zuid-Richel. The seaport is the biggest and most productive seaport in the Commonwealth and, for that reason, the ferry service transports a significant amount of freight in addition to passengers.
Due to the lack of an airport on Trinity Island, the ferry service provides residents of that island with access to the outside world via South Seas International Airport on Grand Wulfram.
In addition, the company is also contracted by the Government of the South Sea Islands to transport researchers and visitors to and from the Prince Æthelstan Research Station.
Corporate Structure
Southern Seaways is a public limited company, owned by shareholders. However, the government retains a majority stake in the company, owning 60% of the shares. In addition, the government owns many of the company's assets including terminals and the ships themselves. In turn, South Seaways leases these government-owned assets at a discounted rate.
