256
PORT DEVELOPMENT
more terminals and over 20 berths, has also been substantially completed and could rapidly be brought into operation when the demand arises.
In planning the Lantau Port, environmental considerations have played an important role. The orientation of terminals is such that visual and noise impact is minimised, while safety and operational efficiency are optimised. Continuous review of future port requirements is necessary to take into account changing trends in vessel size and trading pattern and flexibility is maintained to ensure that Hong Kong can meet these challenges.
Port Cargo Forecasts
The forecast that container throughput will reach 33 million TEUS by 2016 represents an average growth rate of 4.6 per cent annually. Total cargo to be put through the port in 2016 would be in the order of 398 million tonnes, growing by 4.7 per cent each year. It is also forecast that by 2006 some 68 million tonnes of freight will be carried by river, rising to some 89 million tonnes in 2016.
The PDB's Port Cargo Forecasts are the basis of the government's Port Development Plan and Programme. They are revised every two years to ensure that they are kept as up-to-date as possible. A contract was signed in April 1997 to conduct the major review and the next forecasts will be published in early 1998.
In compiling the forecasts, the PDB takes into account trends in Hong Kong as well as projected growth of the world economy, the economy of the mainland of China, particularly southern China, expected competition from regional and mainland China ports and likely changes in the related shipping and cargo patterns. It is clear that the cargo demand in this part of the world continues to grow. Even as new ports spring up in other parts of southern China, it is apparent that Hong Kong's share in meeting that demand will continue to be substantial.
Indeed, the development of these new mainland China ports is expected to stimulate growth and facilitate the further development of the economy. That will be good not only for mainland 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. 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.