TRANSPORT
The Director of Marine is the Pilotage Authority and is advised by the Pilotage Advisory Committee. The Pilotage Authority has widespread powers regarding the operations and dues charged by the pilots, although the pilots themselves operate in the form of a private company. Tugs are also privately owned and operated.
The decision was taken in 1981 to proceed with a phased programme of compulsory pilotage. In 1985 this was applied to vessels of 10 000 tons plus. In 1987 this was further extended to vessels of 5 000 tons plus. The final phase is expected to come into effect sometime in 1990, when all ships of a certain gross registered tonnage, yet to be specified, will be required to engage the services of a Hong Kong-licensed pilot when navigating in the pilotage area.
Co-operation and consultation with the shipping industry has always been an important factor in Hong Kong's success. The Port Committee advises the Director of Marine on port policy. The Port Operations Committee is concerned with the everyday operation of the port. The Container Terminal (Land Use) Committee deals with all land-related issues relevant to container terminals. These committees are attended by a cross-section of ship- ping, government, commercial and port interests.
In 1989, some 18 900 ocean-going vessels and 93 600 river-trade vessels called at Hong Kong and loaded and discharged more than 86 million tonnes of cargo. This included 62 million tonnes of general goods from ocean-going vessels, of which 50 per cent was containerised cargo.
A variety of harbour craft play a significant role in the efficient running of the port. During the year over 1 700 lighters and 400 motor cargo boats transported cargo to and from ocean-going ships moored at the anchorages and harbour buoys in mid-stream in the harbour, and private or public cargo working areas ashore. Floating heavy-lift cranes of up to 350 tonnes lifting capacity provided cranage service to handle heavy cargo with weights exceeding the capacity of ships' gear. Tugs were available round the clock to assist berth- ing and unberthing operations. Waterboats and fuel-oil barges provide replenishment if necessary to prepare the ships for voyages ahead. Transportation of ships' agents, crew, stevedores and repair gangs to and from ships in the harbour and service for delivery of provisions are available from various public landings around the harbour.
The Marine Department provides a free service for collecting daily domestic refuse from ships. At a nominal charge, the department's contractor also provides a service to collect and dispose of trade refuse from ships.
The port of Hong Kong handled 4.44 million TEUS (20-foot equivalent units) in 1989. Expansion at Kwai Chung container port continued apace with Terminal 6 being completed in May providing a 24-berth terminal on 29 hectares. Meanwhile work on Terminal 7 was also proceeding ahead of schedule with the first berth becoming operational late in 1989 and completion due in 1990. This will provide another three berths on a land area of 31.5 hectares.
With the success of an 18.6-hectare multi-storey container freight station and godown constructed on Terminal 3, other operators are also progressing with similar expansion plans. These multi-storey facilities maximise land use.
Public cargo handling facilities administered by the Marine Department are provided at Wan Chai, Western District, Sheung Wan, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Cha Kwo Ling, Chai Wan, Tsuen Wan, Rambler Channel, Tuen Mun and Ap Lei Chau. Lighters, motor cargo boats and river trade coasters use these areas to receive and deliver cargo to and from lorries or to bridge the sea-land interface. Public cargo handling facilities are in great demand and are highly utilised. Waiting time at the areas
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