TRANSPORT
246
The Star Ferry operated 12 vessels across the harbour and, during the year, carried 35 720 673 passengers on its three routes. Fares ranged from $1.50 to $1.80. Passengers aged 65 and above can enjoy free travel on all Star Ferry services.
HYF owned 83 licensed vessels and operated 16 ferry routes, including passenger and vehicular services across the harbour, hoverferry services to the northwest New Territories, services to the outlying islands and charter services. In 1993, the company carried 99 807 passengers and 6 565 vehicles daily. Elderly passengers aged 65 or above can enjoy half-fare concessions during off-peak hours in ordinary class services from Mondays to Fridays, except on public holidays.
A further 18 other ferry services were operated by eight licensed operators, including the service to Discovery Bay, Lantau. These were supplemented by kaitos, or local village ferry services, which were licensed to serve remote coastal settlements. At the end of the kaitos were in operation.
The Port
year,
89
Hong Kong has the busiest container port in the world, handling more than nine million TEUS (20-foot equivalent units) in 1993. It is also one of the busiest in terms of vessel arrivals, and cargo and passenger throughput. Some 165 000 ocean-going and river trade vessels arrive in Hong Kong annually, handling over 100 million tonnes of cargo, and over 20 million international passengers, most of whom are carried on the world's largest fleet of high-speed ferries.
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Details of international movements of vessels, passengers and cargo are given at -Appendix 37.
The port has always been, and continues to be, crucial to Hong Kong's economy and prosperity. It handles about 90 per cent of the territory's trade. Port and related industries generate about 15 per cent of Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product, provide some 350 000 jobs and keep 20 per cent of all companies in business.
To maintain its strategic significance as a conduit for Hong Kong's trade, as an entrepôt for China and as a hub port for world trade, the port must continue to grow. Planning for growth flows from the Port and Airport Development Strategy to a Port Development Plan, covering container terminals and other less obvious but equally vital facilities such as cargo-working areas, typhoon shelters; anchorages, container back-up land, shipyard sites and berths for deep waterfront industries. The pace of development is geared to meet the forecast demand up to the year 2011. It is reviewed regularly to ensure that facilities are available when they are needed, taking into account the latest forecasts of demand.
The government has always taken the view that generally it should not undertake commercial activities which can be provided more efficiently by the private sector. Hong Kong leads the world in this respect and the port is an excellent example. Most port facilities, such as the container terminals and dockyards, are privately built, owned and operated. Services such as stevedoring, tugs and pilotage are also provided directly by the private sector. The Port Development Plan envisages a continuing high level of private sector involvement in providing port facilities and services.
The valuable advice given by users and operators of port facilities is an important factor in the port's success. A wide range of interests from the private sector are represented in advisory and consultative bodies, including the Port Development Board, which advises the government on port planning and development; the Port Operations Committee, which