Transport 255
Bunkering and Potable Water Supply
Bunkering is readily available at commercial wharves and oil terminals or from a large fleet of private bunkering barges. Bunker supplies meet the latest requirements under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (also known as the MARPOL Convention). Fresh water can also be obtained alongside berths or from a private fleet of water boats.
Local Vessels' Safety Certification Service
The Local Vessel Safety Section provides survey and certification services for local vessels to make sure they comply with safety and pollution prevention requirements. Plan approval and ship survey work for certain types of local vessels may be carried out by recognised authorities, private organisations or professionals authorised by the Marine Department.
Public Cargo Working Areas
The department manages eight public cargo working areas where licensed cargo handlers are allowed to load and unload cargo onto and from barges and coasters. The combined length of berths in these working areas is 7 044 metres.
Collection of Marine Refuse and Waste
The department's contractors collect domestic refuse from both ocean-going vessels and local vessels. Sewage and oily chemical waste are collected from ships by registered collectors. The collected sewage is taken to the sewage treatment facility in the harbour for disposal, and the oily chemical waste is shipped to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre on Tsing Yi Island for treatment.
Combating Oil Pollution
The department maintains a maritime oil spill response plan to ensure a timely and effective response to oil spills in Hong Kong waters.
A regional maritime oil spill response plan is also in place for the Pearl River Estuary to enhance regional cooperation in the event of a major oil spill occurring in Hong Kong or in any of the neighbouring ports in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Macao and Guangzhou.
In October, the department's Pollution Control Unit organised a large-scale, oil- spill clean-up drill in which all government departments concerned and local oil companies took part.
Shipping
Hong Kong Shipping Register
The Hong Kong Shipping Register, administered by the Marine Department, is regarded highly as a world-class register providing excellent services. It continues to maintain its status as a quality flag under the US Coast Guard's QUALSHIP 21 Scheme.