TRANSPORT
sediment mainly from Tuen Mun Typhoon Shelter, Yau Ma Tei Anchorage Area, Kellet Bank mooring area, Shing Mun River, and the Cheung Sha and Sham Wan fish culture zones.
The Port
Hong Kong remained one of the world's busiest container ports in 1999 despite the regional financial problems. The port was also ranked one of the busiest in terms of vessel arrivals and departures as well as cargo and passenger throughput. It handled about 80 per cent by weight of Hong Kong's total cargo throughput.
In terms of container throughput, 16.2 million TEUS (20-foot equivalent units) were handled in 1999. About 425 000 vessels arrived in and departed from Hong Kong during the year. These vessels carried more than 166 million tonnes of cargo and around 16.4 million passengers. Most of these passengers commuted on the world's largest fleet of high-speed ferries, including jetfoils and jet catamarans, to and from Macau and ports in the vicinity. Details of the movements of vessels, passengers and cargoes are given in the Appendices.
Port Administration
The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping activities in the waters of Hong Kong. This is achieved by comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrolling, vessel traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and rigorous enforcement of major international maritime conventions.
The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Users and operators of port facilities can provide their advice in relation to port administration matters through these channels. The Port Operations Committee advises on efficient operation of the port and the Pilotage Advisory Committee advises on matters relating to pilotage services. Besides this, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee is concerned with the local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.
The Marine Department's Internet web site (http://www.info.gov.hk/mardep), set up in 1996, provides information on the port and the Hong Kong Shipping Register, on services and facilities provided by the department, and various Marine Department notices. A Hong Kong Shipping Directory providing information on marine services companies based in Hong Kong, and real-time shipping movements in the port are also available on the home page. Certain port formalities can also be processed through the Internet. In 1999, the department provided further real-time information on its web site such as information on the movement of river trade cargo vessels and on various examinations for seafarers.
Vessel Traffic Management
The Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Marine Department provides vessel traffic services to vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above. All vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above are required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and must follow VTC directions.
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