The Star Ferries of Hong Kong are all diesel operated today, but do have a rich steam history. The first steam ferries appeared as early as 1888 in the Hong Kong harbor, since 1898 they run under the name Star Ferry Co, Ltd.
As far as I could find out at my recent visit to Hong Kong last week, the Celestial Star (picture) is the oldest still operating ferry boat, built in 1956. The last steam ferry, the Northerb Star, was taken out of service in 1959. A total of 13 boats seam to be still in service today; and they're not tourist attractions, but a major part of the Hong Kong public transportation system, connecting Hong Kong Island with the Kowloon peninsula.
Is it necessary to mention, that I've used the ferriy service as often as I could, sometimes just to ride the boat (one-way fare is only about 17 cents US currency)? And does anyone assume, that I've been on the fancy upper deck with air conditioning? No! The lower deck is absolutely fascinating, wooden flooring, the smell of hot oil from the 6-cylinder-diesel engines. These ferries do have everything to make an old boat buff happy.
More information about this wonderful ferry boats can be found on the Star Ferry's website's picture gallery and historical information page.