250
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
their interests to use Hong Kong as a warehousing, transhipping and bunkering point.
Safe berths are available to all vessels with draughts of up to 36 feet, at all states of the tide. Commercial wharves can accom- modate vessels up to 750 feet in length and a maximum of 32 feet in draught, and the Government maintains 52 moorings for hire, 25 of which are specially designed to withstand typhoon conditions.
Cargo-handling compares favourably with the most advanced ports. Efficient modern methods, a plentiful supply of labour, lighterage, road-transport, and experienced staff, capable of under- taking any operation from the stowage of special cargoes to the handling of heavy-lifts and bulk oils, make the Port popular with all connected with shipping. 750,000 measurement tons (mainland) and 230,000 measurement tons (Island) of godown space is equipped for ordinary, refrigerated and dangerous goods storage.
During 1959 over fifty four thousand seamen were engaged or discharged under supervision of the Mercantile Marine Office.
Hong Kong is now the world's largest ship-breaking port, the industry having expanded rapidly during recent years. Fifty nine ships were in breakers' hands at the end of the year and the provision of sites had become a problem.
Ships' bunkers are supplied by three of the major oil companies, whilst coal and fresh water can be supplied at any berth in the Port including the oil-installation wharves. The supply of fresh water is generally restricted in the dry winter months.
There are eleven cross-harbour ferry services, including one passenger-vehicular service. These services, operating frequent schedules, transported more than 136 million people and 11 million vehicles in 1959. A number of ferry services also operate outside the Harbour area on routes to Aberdeen and the coastal towns or villages of the New Territories. The more important ferry services are described in greater detail in Chapter 14.
During the year, the Government awarded the franchise for the second vehicular-ferry service running between terminals at the Kowloon City Ferry Concourse and the North Point Sand Depot, to the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company. The plans for the terminal piers are now almost completed.