XN000022-1973-07-09 — Page 5

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Monday, July 9, 1973

REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR SHIPS

A permanent domestic refuse collection service for all ocean-

going vessels calling at Hong Kong has been established by the Marine

Department in an effort to combat harbour pollution. · ·

The free ship-to-ship, service was first introduced in July

last year for a trial period of six months and met with reasonable success.

Representatives from the department'a Pollution Control Unit are

boarding vessels which have been in the harbour for 48 hours as part

of a drive to publicise the service.

If these ships have any refuse to dispose of arrangements will

be made for its collection.

The Director of Marine, Mr. A. Fletcher, said masters of ships,

who wanted to make use of the service. did not have to wait for their

vessels to be boarded, but could make appropriate arrangements through

their agents or by direct contact with the Marine Department.

He reminded ship masters, owners and agents that it was an offence

under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance to deposit any refuse into the

harbour or in the waters of Hong Kong. The maximum penalty, on conviction,

is a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The department's harbour scavenging fleet is also clearing drifting

timber and refuse in the central harbour area and typhoon shelters to

maintain an acceptable standard of cleanliness in the waters of Hong Kong.

The central ...............