254 Transport
The department's statistical unit compiles and analyses port statistics on vessel movements and container throughput, and publishes them on the department's website (http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/publication/portstat.html.)
Marine Industrial Safety
Hong Kong Harbour has become busier due to China's rapid economic growth. To maintain Hong Kong's reputation as a safe harbour for cargo-handling, ship-repair and marine construction, the new Shipping and Port Control (Works) Regulation and Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Works) Regulation were implemented during the year. Among other measures, the new regulations introduced mandatory safety training, and the requirement for every vessel engaging in works to appoint at least one trained works supervisor, which has effectively raised workers' safety awareness. In addition, codes of practice were introduced to provide the maritime industry with practical guidelines. The Marine Department's Marine Industrial Safety Section conducts safety checks on works carried out on vessels and promotes safe working practices and regulations for frontline workers.
Port Services and Facilities
Mainland and Macao Ferry Services
The department operates two cross-boundary ferry terminals: the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal with 12 berths and the China Ferry Terminal with 13 berths. The Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal operates round the clock. The China Ferry Terminal is open from 7 am to 10 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 7 am to 2 am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, operated by a tenant under a tenancy agreement, opened for service on November 3, 2006. It has three berths and operates daily from 7 am to 10 pm. The department controls and regulates the use of these three terminals under the Shipping and Port Control (Ferry Terminals) Regulations.
Immigration and Quarantine Services
Immigration and quarantine services are available at the Western Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage and the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. Shipping agents may apply for immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, for ships.
The Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage operates round the clock for river trade vessels plying between Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta ports. Pre-arrival clearance has been extended to all Mainland river and coastal trade vessels. Operators of such vessels may submit pre-arrival clearance applications to the Immigration Department's Harbour Control Section.
Mooring Buoys
The department provides a total of 31 mooring buoys for ship operation, 21 Class 'A' buoys for vessels of up to 183 metres long and 10 class 'B' buoys for vessels of up to 137 metres long. Buoy bookings may be made through the Vessel Traffic Centre.