The Marine Department next Friday plans to open a bid for six maritime routes under the "Andaman Ring" project linking three popular coastal provinces in the South to promote tourism.
Department deputy secretary-general Nat Chubchai said Thursday the six routes will connect Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi.
There were originally seven routes up for grabs. However, one of them will be put up again for public hearings.
On June 15, the bidding will be opened when private firms can register to bid. The firms will then have 30 days in which to submit their bids and the results of the auction will be announced on Aug 31.
Mr Nat said the first route will connect a pier at Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation to a deep-sea port in Phuket to accommodate cruise ships.
The second route will link Ao Po in Phuket, Chong Lad pier in Phangnga and Tha Len pier in Krabi.
The third will connect Chong Lad pier, Koh Yao Yai and Ma Noh pier to Koh Yao Noi, all in Phangnga. This is going for public hearings.
The fourth route will be for travel between Ban Hua Hin pier and Ban Klong Mak, both in Krabi's Lanta district.
The fifth route will link Ao Thong Lang pier on Koh Lanta to Koh Jum and Koh Poo in Krabi.
The sixth route will connect Koh Lanta Yai to Koh Po in Krabi while the seventh route will link Saladan pier on Koh Lanta to Ao Po pier in Phuket.