Chapter 11
COMMUNICATIONS
Marine
The waterways of the Colony form one of the most magnificent harbours in the world with excellent facilities capable of accommodating the largest vessels which visit the Colony. The port continues to maintain its reputation for efficient cargo-handling and the speedy turn-round of ships. There are twelve modern deep water berths on the Kowloon side of the harbour for vessels drawing up to 32 feet, with adjoining storage space in modern godowns for approximately 770,000 tons of cargo. On the Hong Kong side of the harbour, there is storage space in modern godowns for 130,000 tons.
The No. 5 Wharf at Kowloon has been completely recon- structed. It is 800 feet long with a beam of 60 feet, and a depth of 32 feet alongside.
Government maintains for public hire, 17 "A" Class moorings suitable for vessels up to 600 feet in length and 29 "B" Class moorings for vessels up to 450 feet in length. Twelve of the "A" Class moorings are classed as typhoon moorings.
Victoria harbour extending over an area of some 17 square miles, surrounded by its beautiful granite hills, affords a safe and protected anchorage under all weather conditions.
During the year ending 31st March, 1953, (the figures for 1952 are shown in brackets) 6,166 (5,536) ocean going vessels of 18,197,763 (15,664,278) net tons, 3,250 (4,071) river steamers of 2,593,268 (3,354,075) net tons and 23,873 (33,010) junks and launches of 1,473,819 (3,462,276, the method of computation for this figure differs from that used this year) net tons entered and cleared the port.
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