Afai is a company with a very simple purpose ... to always build superb ships on time.
This means we are continually extending our skills and resources and backing them up with the most solid and reliable service it is possible to provide. It is a way of working that has allowed us considerable progress in the worldwide high-speed ferry business. Plus it has given us a reputation for being to the point when it comes to cost, service and delivery.
More than 50 years of family service in the marine industry
Honesty, hard work, and top quality workmanship were the ways by which Fai Seto lived. He received training working at his father's shipyard, while studying marine engineering through correspondence. His ability and devotion to the marine field inspired him to start his own ship repair factory in Hong Kong in 1949 at the early age of 29. Not long after, Fai's love towards his motherland lead him to return to China to help improve its ship construction industry.
He returned to Hong Kong, after spending two years in China, to concentrate on building up his shipyard. In the years that followed the company flourished. Incorporated as A. Fai Engineers & Ship repairers in 1963, it carried out ship repairs for ocean going vessels from all corners of the globe, building long-term relationships with Wil.Wilhelmsen, Mollers, Dodwells, Barber Blue Sea Lines, Cosco, China Merchants, Gumat etc. At the same time ships were being constructed for the Mainland China and HK markets.
Fai Szeto's energy seemed limitless, holding positions on China's Political Consultative Committee, Chairman of Hong Kong's influential Chinese Manufacturers Association, and member of the group who drafted Hong Kong's Present constitution - the Basic Law. These were just a few of his commitments.
However busy with his work for the company, his country, or welfare of others, Fai still made time for his family. He was a loving husband, father of six, and grandfather to thirteen. He believed strongly in a good solid education, while instilling his basic belief of good hard work and honesty into his children and grandchildren. We at Afai Ships intend to see that the basic belief of Fai Seto continues to live on in the soul of the company.
Our present Afai Holdings Board of Directors reflects the family tradition and values, being chaired by Angela Szeto BA MBA ASIA, with fellow board members Mdme Kok Yee Fung, Mr. Vitus Szeto (electrical engineer and Managing Director of Afai Ships), Mr. Charles Szeto (Swedish trained ship repair specialist), and Mr. Sam Wong (naval architect and General Manager Afai Southern Holdings). Also part of the management team, and a director of Afai Ships and Afai Southern Holdings, is Mr. Antony Szeto, group financial and marketing director.
Feasibility Studies
Does the route have potential for profitability? Which vessel type, and how many, should I buy and at what price? I have a seasonal route, so what do I do with my ferry during low season?
Afai's aim in offering services for feasibility studies is to make our clients as successful as possible. Since 1982, Afai has been involved with numerous operators answering the above, and many other questions. Whether you are a new operator or an experienced one, by working with us your risk will be lowered and profitability lifted on a potential route.
Our vessel selections are not limited to our own products. On top of aluminium vessels, we have been builders and repairers for GRP and steel vessels. We would look closely at all types and makes of ferries, including second hand vessels, as choices on a studied route.
Financing
Afai's products use proven designs, with high quality construction and finish. This provides strong reassurance to financiers, who have then been able to help operators in purchasing our ferries. Vessel leasing has also been an option for our ferries, and has proven a popular choice amongst new operators. Initial requirements for a buyer to meet with financial or leasing options include supplying:
- Audited company financial statements
- Feasibility study of the proposed route that the vessel will run
- Proposed collateral and its value
All information received by Afai would be treated with the strictest confidence.
Interior Design Consulting
Passengers place increasing demands on operators for comfort and interior quality. Afai has been able to help operators sensitive to this demand. We can give interior solutions, which will both maximise value in the eyes of passengers, whilst also increasing safety and comfort.
At the same time attention is paid to keeping maintenance costs low, and decreasing passenger/car loading and unloading times.
Each individual route leads to problems that need unique design solutions. These problems can stem from variables like passenger cultural difference, luggage requirements, travel time, vessel size, onboard facilities, sea conditions, and so on. All these variables require attention being given to certain aspects of the design detail. When done correctly, the end result can increase revenue by repeat business and growth in passenger numbers. This comes about through higher passenger satisfaction and good word of mouth.
Also you will find costs are lowered for maintenance and you avoid the need for frequent refurbishment due to inferior interior products. By using Afai to look at these and other design variable, you get the solutions that ensure your greater success.
After Sales Service
We take the care to make sure that when you buy our vessels, you are getting some of the most reliable fast ferries in the market today. On top of the maintenance service from your engine manufacturer, we are on hand to aid you in any problems that you may experience while running one of our ships, helping you to minimise your downtime and maximise your revenue.
Due to market changes you may want to refit your vessel, upgrade with new technology, or redesign the interior. Afai is on hand to help you achieve what you want and need. Our years in repairs have given us the insight to help you minimise costs when making the desired upgrades. Further, we can advise your repair yard on how to approach the work on the vessel further minimising time wastage.
