TRANSPORT
In 2000, 885 PSC inspections were carried out on ocean-going vessels visiting Hong Kong. About 88.5 per cent of these ships had deficiencies that were remedied before they left Hong Kong.
Services in the Port
Mainland and Macau Ferry Services
The Marine Department manages the China Ferry Terminal (CFT) and the Macau Ferry Terminal (MFT), which handled 6.8 million and 10.3 million passengers respectively in 2000. The CFT operates from 7 am to 11 pm daily and the MFT round-the-clock.
Immigration and Quarantine Services
A shipping agent may apply through radio for immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, for a ship. Such services are available 24 hours a day at the Western Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage and from 6 am to 6 pm at the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. The Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage operates daily from 1 am to 11 am for river trade vessels plying between Hong Kong and Pearl River delta ports.
Mooring Buoys
The Marine Department provides 59 mooring buoys in the harbour area for ships to work cargo. There are 32 class 'A' buoys for vessels up to 183 metres in length and 27 class 'B' buoys for vessels up to 137 metres in length. Booking of these mooring buoys may be made through the Vessel Traffic Centre.
Bunkering
Bunkering is readily available at commercial wharves and oil terminals or from a large fleet of private bunkering barges. Fresh water may also be provided alongside berths or from a private fleet of water boats.
Ship Repair and Dry-Docking
The port has extensive facilities for repairing, dry-docking and slipping all types of vessels of up to 150 000 dead-weight tonnes. Local shipyards are able to build and maintain workboats and pleasure vessels. The Marine Department provides a free inspection and advice service to promote safe working practices in ship-repairing, ship-breaking and cargo-handling afloat.
Reception of Marine Wastes
The Marine Department is responsible for the cleanliness in the harbour. In 2000, a fleet of 66 vessels was deployed to carry out marine refuse scavenging service in the harbour, typhoon shelters and some remote areas. The fleet consists of 13 purpose- built marine scavenging vessels as well as craft provided by contractors. The department also collects refuse from local vessels and from ocean-going vessels when they visit Hong Kong. Oily and chemical wastes from ships are collected by registered contractors and delivered to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre on Tsing Yi Island.
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