The central and eastern harbours have long ago ceased to play a major role in cargo movements. The eastern waters of Hong Kong, with its many islands, remain a popular and safe marine playground, where commercial activities do not conflict with pleasure boating.
Mr Dale pointed out that in the light of these changes the need to review and if necessary change Hong Kong's long-term marine traffic and strategic water area management strategy was recognised.
will:-
The long-term strategy for the milestone years 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011
(a)
(b)
provide a navigational risk assessment of Hong Kong waters;
define more clearly the objectives for the optimum use of this limited resource and maintain the image of Hong Kong as a safe port in respect of commercial, tourist and recreational marine activities;
(c) provide a broader picture of how port developments and the change in commercial shipping patterns will integrate with other growing demands on water space such as recreation and tourism; and
(d)
enable easier explanation of these developments to the marine community and public at large.
The general objective of the MARAD Study is to assess present and future levels of marine navigational risk in the waters of Hong Kong, and having regard to these levels draw up medium to long-term plans to mitigate identified risk and establish the best usage of Hong Kong waters.
The study will be conducted in three phases and is expected to be completed in 15 months.
The three phases are:
Phase I - Field study of existing marine traffic activities and risk assessment
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Phase II Marine planning studies to sectorise areas of port activities and establish traffic flow patterns
Phase III - Marine planning studies to analyse the results obtained from Phases I and II and to establish the best usage of Hong Kong waters.