TRANSPORT
advises the Director of Marine on the operational needs of the port; and the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee, which advises on local craft matters.
The Container Port
Of the 9.2 million containers loaded and discharged in 1993, about 63 per cent (or 5.8 million TEUs) were handled at the Kwai Chung Container Port, and another 30 per cent (or 2.8 million TEUs) were handled by ships at mid-stream mooring buoys and anchorages. All eight container terminals at Kwai Chung are privately owned and operated, and will have a total of 16 berths for ocean-going vessels by early 1995. The first of four berths of the latest terminal, Container Terminal 8, became operational in July 1993. The other three berths are under construction and will be completed at about six-month intervals. While Container Terminal 8 is being built, planning for the con- struction of Container Terminal 9, at southeast Tsing Yi Island, is at an advanced stage and preliminary design work is underway for Container Terminals 10 and 11.
International Ferry Services
The number of international passengers using the ferry terminals managed by the Marine Department is increasing. In 1993, 6.7 million passengers used the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and 13 million used the Macau Ferry Terminal in Central. The total was a three per cent increase from 1992. Most of these passengers travelled on the world's largest fleet of modern, high-speed passenger craft, comprising jetfoils, hydrofoils, sidewall hovercraft and catamarans operating from Hong Kong to Macau and various ports in China.
The department has introduced statutory requirements to enhance safety, by predicting and minimising the effects of shipboard system failures and improving crew training.
Port Services
The port is administered by the Marine Department. The department's mission is to enhance Hong Kong's role as one of the world's great ports by ensuring that ships can enter port, work their cargoes and depart as quickly and safely as possible. In line with the government's public sector reform programme, the department has published a performance pledge, outlining the standards of service its customers can expect. In a further step to improve and meet the ever-growing demand for its services, the department is commercialising its operations. It aims to become a trading fund department and a self-financing commercial entity within the government in two years.
Hong Kong waters are covered by a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), to ensure a safe and expeditious marine traffic flow in the densely-populated port. The system is run by the department and participation is compulsory for ocean-going vessels of 300 gross registered tonnes (GRT) and above. The system comprises a computer-assisted radar network, a computer database and VHF radio telephone communications. Coupled with a comprehensive system of navigational aids, fairways, traffic separation schemes and harbour patrols, it helps Hong Kong maintain a low level of marine accidents by world standards.
Ships over 5000 GRT and certain other vessels are required to engage pilots when moving within the port and its approaches. The Director of Marine regulates and controls the pilotage service, although the pilots themselves operate as a private company.
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