PORT DEVELOPMENT
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put to tender at the end of 1995. In a related development, barge berth facilities have been included in the designs for CT10 and CT11 in Lantau Port.
Port Cargo Forecasts
According to the latest Port Cargo Forecasts, container throughput is expected to reach 32 million TEUS by 2011. This is startling, but it is as accurate a prediction as it is possible to make. It reflects an average growth rate of 7.6 per cent annually over the period from 1992 to 2011. Total cargo to be put through the port in 2011 would be in the order of 350 million tonnes, growing by 5.5 per cent each year over the same period.
The PDB's Port Cargo Forecasts are the basis of the government's Port Development Plan and Programme. The forecasts are revised every two years to ensure that they are kept as up-to-date as possible. The board will publish its next forecasts in early 1996.
In compiling the forecasts, the board takes into account trends in Hong Kong and the projected growth of the world economy, the economy of China, particularly southern China, expected competition from regional and Chinese ports and likely changes in the related shipping and cargo patterns.
The development of these new Chinese ports is expected to stimulate growth and facilitate the further development of the economy. That will be good not only for China but also for Hong Kong. The additional traffic will increase the chance of additional shipping calls at Hong Kong and enhance its maritime support services. Any spur to competition can only be good for Hong Kong. As all sides recognise, the new ports will be complementary to Hong Kong and vice versa and this will help to ensure continuing high standards and quality of service in Hong Kong.
Port Development Plan
A report on the outline planning, feasibility and environmental studies for the Lantau Port was presented to the government in 1993. It described a recommended plan up to the year 2011 under which four container terminals providing up to 17 berths would open. They would form artificial islands having two port basins linked by a transport corridor.
The selected layout permits flexible and phased development of container facilities and maximises wave protection. It also gives scope for further expansion.
Subsequently, the government appointed a consultant to carry out preliminary design studies for CT10 and CT11 which included measures needed to minimise any adverse environmental effects. At the same time, a separate consultant undertook ancillary works design for back-up land, transport links and other services for these terminals.
Detailed design work was undertaken during 1995 so that as little time as possible would be lost between the tender award and commencement of construction. Feasibility studies for Container Terminals 12 and 13 (CT12 and CT13) will start in 1996.