INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Current Strategic Port Planning
Competition among the container terminals and from alternative modes of container handling drives the operators to improve efficiency and quality of service. The significant investment in upgrading equipment and systems in the eight existing terminals at Kwai Chung over the past few years, which is on-going, enabled the port to handle the continuing growth in container throughput.
To meet the growing demand, Hong Kong is building a new container terminal, Container Terminal 9 (CT9), on Tsing Yi Island opposite the existing terminals. The terminal will consist of four deep-sea berths and two feeder berths to accommodate the interchange of containers between large ocean-going vessels and regional carriers. CT9's first berth is expected to come into operation in early 2002.
To improve the efficiency of river trade operation, lower the cost of transporting containers between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, and relieve congestion on the road system, the first dedicated River Trade Terminal (RTT) is being built at Tuen Mun in the north-west New Territories. The whole terminal is scheduled for completion in late 1999. The first phase has been completed and came into operation in October 1998.
The completion of CT9 and the RTT will enable Hong Kong to maintain its role as the premier port for southern China well into the first decade of the next century. Planning for the first phase of the new container port at north-east Lantau has also been substantially completed, enabling the new port to be built and brought into operation quickly when the demand arises.
Environmental considerations have played an important role in planning the Lantau Port. 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 trade pattern and flexibility is maintained to ensure that Hong Kong can meet these challenges.
Port Cargo Forecasts
According to the latest Port Cargo Forecasts, published in February 1998, container throughput is expected to reach 33 million TEUS by 2016, representing an average growth rate of 4.6 per cent annually. Total cargo to be put through the port in 2016 would be around 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 PMB'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.
In compiling the forecasts, the PMB 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, new port development in the region and mainland China and likely changes in the related shipping and cargo patterns.
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