The Haixia, a high-speed passenger ferry sailing between Pingtan in Fujian and Taichung in Taiwan, went on a trial voyage to Taipei on May 15.

The voyage helped the ferry get familiar with the Pingtan-Taipei marine route, according to the ship owner, Fujian Haixia High-Speed RORO Shipping Co.

After docking at Taipei Port, the Haixia continued to sail in the open sea near Taiwan for another two hours.

"We tested from low speed to full speed and pulled off a series of technical operations including departure and docking," said Peng Yuping, captain of the Haixia.

Experts in Taiwan will hold a seminar to evaluate the Haixia's trial voyage, added Peng.

Last year, another Pingtan cross-Straits ferry, the Lina, also carried out a trial voyage to Taipei. It is expected to go into operation soon.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai