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Communications
HONG KONG is noted throughout the world as a port providing all the requirements of modern shipping. The two major dockyards, not to mention the numerous small organisations, are able to offer a round-the-clock service of repair and maintenance work, which is both fast and efficient, combining the old Chinese reputation for skilled engineering with the most modern management techniques.
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During 1969, Taikoo Dockyard enjoyed a particularly brisk demand for modernization and conversion, having performed three major side-port conversions, two 'Victory Class' vessel conversions to full containerization and commenced a major passenger ship conversion for the Hong Kong/Keelung service. In addition, two 10,000 ton dumb barges and a roll-on roll-off ferry were among the new building contracts. Major repairs were another feature of the year including large scale bottom repairs, fire damage and major boiler repairs.
The Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company situated on the opposite side of the harbour on Kowloon Peninsula, also had a busy year during which three vessels were fully converted for the carriage of containers. These, together with major steelwork repairs to another vessel and the usual wide range of engineering and shipbuilding work, catered for customers throughout the shipping industry and helped to ensure Hong Kong's place in the lead of this very competitive field.
The full impact of the 'Container Revolution' has yet to be felt in Hong Kong's shipping circles although the use of containers is undoubtedly increasing. Although container terminal facilities are presently being developed on a limited scale by private interests to cater for self-sustaining ships, there are no terminal facilities for non- self-sustaining ships. Consideration is, however, currently being given to the building of a container terminal at Kwai Chung, an area ideally situated in the approaches to Rambler Channel and the entrance to Gin Drinker's Bay.