Interview

Phuket’s hidden highways: water instead of asphalt

A conversation with the Water Taxi Company’s founders Erik Roscam Abbing and Tjakko Dijk on their Phuket watertaxi initiative:

Erik, what’s so special about Phuket?
Erik: Phuket airport welcomes around 13 million guests per year to Thailand’s main tourism destination. All these guests find their way to their destination over land. As a result, Phuket’s roads are highly congested and its air is polluted. The peninsula’s traffic situation leaves a mark on its tourist experience, on its air quality, and on the business prospects of its hospitality community.
Meanwhile, Phuket’s airport is located right on the coast, just as most hospitality destinations. A perfect case for water taxis! And through my previous work in Thailand and Tjakko’s home base in Bangkok, Phuket was an obvious choice for the Water Taxi Company to develop its first pilot project.

Tjakko, what does a project like this entail?
Tjakko: There’s a lot to think of and take care of before you can start transporting people in boats. Most importantly it’s crucial to deeply understand the local situation. We can only offer added value when our solution fits into the local ecosystem of hospitality entrepreneurs, operators, sustainability initiatives and political realities. Getting a firm grip on all of this requires a lot of immersion and talking to local movers and shakers. That’s my job and I love it!

And your job Erik?
Erik: I suppose I’ve been the guy with the initial vision. But I wouldn’t get anywhere without Tjakko. As a design driven innovator and entrepreneur I see future solutions very clearly in my mind’s eye. I have a very clear picture of the unforgettable passenger experience we can provide, the cleaner air and less congested roads that our solution will bring to Phuket. It’s my job to translate this vision into a clear and realistic value proposition that can be realized. And a business case that makes sense for all parties involved.

Tjakko do you share Erik’s passion?
Tjakko: Absolutely! For me the Watertaxi company is about so much more than taxi boats. For every decision we take and every step we make towards implementation there’s two core questions I ask myself: are we choosing the most sustainable option and are we empowering local communities? Those two criteria are the main cornerstones for what I call lovable cities. What gets me up in the morning is our ability to play a role in creating spaces that are loved by people and nature alike.

But for you it’s all about the boats isn’t it Erik? 😉
Erik: Well I’ll admit I love the sea and I love boats. Being on a boat, surrounded by the vast and soothing power of the ocean for me is the most peaceful and enlightening experience imaginable. But what I really care about is what boats and water mobility can do for a region and its visitors and communities. How water mobility can open up new sustainable development opportunities, new ways of connecting with the ocean and all it has to offer, new livelihoods for people who care about sustainable tourism, coastal development, climate resilience and community empowerment. I know, it’s a big ambition. But I believe in it and I care deeply about it.

Tjakko: And so do I. And Phuket is only the beginning!