13
Communications and Transport
HONG KONG has one of the most comprehensive communications and transport systems in Asia. With most of its four million people living in twin cities divided by the world's busiest harbour, the territory utilises almost every means of transport. Kowloon and Victoria are linked by a cross-harbour road tunnel and efficient ferry services. Fleets of double-decker buses, minibuses and taxis contribute to a public transport network that will include an underground railway by 1980. In contrast, sedate trams clatter through Central District and cable-cars climb more than 1,300 feet up Victoria Peak. Hong Kong's sophisticated communications system continues to expand to keep pace with advances in technology. Satellite earth stations, computers, and highly complex electronic equipment have all been a part of Hong Kong's commu- nications network for some years.
Shipping
Hong Kong's harbour ranks with San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro as one of the three most perfect natural harbours in the world. Catering for all the requirements of modern shipping, it holds a place of prominence as a pivotal container port in Southeast Asia. Varying in width from one to six miles the harbour encompasses a total area of 23 square miles.
The administration of the port is one of the responsibilities of the Director of Marine. To keep the Hong Kong Government advised of the shipping, commercial and other changing needs of the port, two advisory committees, the Port Committee which is advisory to the Governor, and the Port Executive Committee, which is advisory to the Director of Marine, meet at regular intervals. As in most state-owned ports, the Marine Department neither controls nor operates any of the major wharves or warehouses in the port. With the exception of the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, all terminals are provided and operated by private enterprise.
However, the Marine Department does operate and maintain 74 mooring buoys for ocean-going vessels within the harbour. Of these, 43 are suitable for vessels up to 600 feet and the balance may be used by ships up to 450 feet. Of the 74 mooring buoys many are special typhoon moorings and these are strategically located for ships remaining in port during tropical storms. Additionally, safe anchorages are provided for large, deep draught vessels which frequent the port. Commercial wharves are capable of accommodating vessels of up to 1,000 feet with draughts up to 40 feet.
Quarantine and immigration facilities are available on a 24-hour basis at the Kellett Bank Anchorage and from 6.30 am to 6 pm in the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. Extended services at the Kellett Bank Anchorage reflect the higher utilisation of the western approaches by vessels arriving at and departing from