INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
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Port Development
Hong Kong, the world's busiest container port, handled 18.1 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUS) of containers in 2000. This represents an increase of some 11.6 per cent over 1999.
Handling this container cargo added significantly to Hong Kong's economy. Hence, matching supply of port facilities with demand will ensure economic growth for the community. Growth forecasts are, therefore, important. Major reviews of the Port Cargo Forecasts are carried out at regular intervals to ensure that these forecasts, which span up to 20 years ahead, are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
An updated Port Cargo Forecast has just been completed. Findings of the forecast estimated that by 2010 there would be a demand for Hong Kong to handle 30 million TEUS a year. The actual growth in the throughput of the port in the coming few years will be closely monitored before a decision is made on the timing for the provision of new facilities.
The container port is vital, not only for Hong Kong, but also for southern China one of the fastest industrialising areas in the world. Some 76 per cent of cargo passing through Hong Kong is entrepot trade with southern China. The port of Hong Kong, therefore, is likely to remain the region's hub port well into the 21st century.
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 ongoing, enabled the port to handle the continuing growth in container throughput.
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) was built at Tuen Mun in the north-western New Territories. The whole terminal was fully operational in late 1999.
Strategic Planning
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 occupy an area of 68 hectares, with six berths and a design capacity to handle at least 2.6 million TEUS a year. The first berth of CT9 will come into operation in 2002 and the whole terminal will be completed in 2004. The new terminal will help maintain Hong Kong's role as the premier port for southern China well into the 21st century.
In response to the recent fast-growing port development in the Pearl River Delta and the economic changes due to Mainland's accession to the World Trade Organisation, which would have an impact on shaping Hong Kong's future cargo base and growth rate, the Port Development Strategy Review (PDSR) is being updated to develop measures to enhance the competitiveness of the port of Hong Kong.