TRANSPORT
159
In 1983, some 11 400 ocean-going vessels called at Hong Kong and loaded and discharged more than 37 million tonnes of cargo. This included 32 million tonnes of general goods, 34 per cent of which was containerised cargo.
Although containerisation is a major cargo transport method, a considerable amount of dry cargo handled in Hong Kong is transported at some stage by lighters and junks of which there were about 2 100 at the end of 1983, some 27 per cent of which were mechanised. Break-bulk cargo is normally handled using ships' gear, but floating heavy-lift cranes are available when required.
On average, conventional ships working cargo at buoys are in port for about two-and- a-half to three days and container ships are here for about 13 hours - excluding passage through Hong Kong waters, berthing and unberthing time. These are probably the fastest turn-round times for ships in the Far East.
Other wharves and terminals provided and operated by private enterprise are capable of accommodating vessels up to 305 metres in length with draughts up to 14.6 metres. Cargo handling facilities in the public sector include public cargo working areas at Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Western District and Rambler Channel. These areas are administered by the Marine Department. Government policy calls for the provision of public cargo working areas throughout Hong Kong to keep internal cargo movement swift and efficient.
There is considerable tourist and other sea passenger traffic between Hong Kong and Macau. In 1983, 8.2 million passengers were carried by jetfoils, hydrofoils, jetcats and conventional ferries plying this route.
At the site of the old Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, construction has started on the new permanent terminal which the developer is expected to hand over to the government before mid-1985. The new terminal is designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually and to be able to accommodate 10 high-speed ferries and three conventional ferries. A second terminal on Kowloon peninsula has long been considered desirable. Consequently, the Sham Shui Po Ferry Pier was modified during the year with a Kowloon to Macau service commencing operation from the pier in September.
At present all passenger traffic by sea to China is channelled through Tai Kok Tsui Pier. In 1983, 133 000 passengers were carried on the hoverferry service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Further facilities are planned on the site of the Kowloon Public Pier Number 54 at Tsim Sha Tsui to cope with the increasing traffic to China. It is anticipated that this terminal will be able to accept larger ocean-going passenger vessels, together with smaller high-speed vessels, all of which will be able to berth alongside.
Within the port there are 72 mooring buoys provided and maintained by the Marine Department for ocean-going vessels. Of these, 43 are suitable for vessels of up to 183 metres in length while the remainder are suitable for ships up to 135 metres. The moorings include 57 special typhoon buoys which are located so that ships can remain secured to them during tropical storms. This obviates unnecessary ship movements and helps to maintain efficiency and reduce operational costs. Dangerous goods anchorages are available if required, and safe anchorages are available for deep-draught vessels.
For ships calling at Hong Kong, quarantine and immigration facilities are available on a 24-hour basis at the Western Quarantine Anchorage, and from 6.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at the Eastern Quarantine Anchorage. Ships are normally cleared inward on arrival and large passenger vessels are processed on the way to their allocated berths. Vessels may, on application, obtain advance immigration clearance and health pratique by radio.