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Hong Kong's ninth container terminal, CT9, is already behind schedule. Port Development Board forecasts show that the first berth of CT9 should come into operation by September 1996.
In the absence of Chinese Government endorsement of the project work has not yet started. Given the normal two year construction period, the first berth of CT9 cannot be completed until late 1997 at the earliest.
The delay has prompted business groups to call for work on Container Terminals 10 and 11, the first on Lantau, to start immediately.
Current plans are for work on CT10 and 11 to start in early 1996 and the first berth to come on stream in early 1998.
The Secretary of the Port Development Board, Mr Tony Clark, said: "We base our planning for new container terminals on a five-year trigger point mechanism. This is established by the Port Development Board and accepted by the Government and the terminal operators.
"According to this five-year trigger point, we need the first berth of CT10 by June 1998 and the first berth of CT11 by September 1999.
Mr Clark added: "Of course, in view of the delays to CT9 the Board and government planners are doing their best to accelerate the Lantau development programme.
"But it is clear that we will soon be facing a shortage of container facilities despite the improved efficiency of the existing terminals."
End/Thursday, May 25, 1995
Airport Consultative Committee meets next Monday
Members of the Consultative Committee on the New Airport and Related Projects will hold its plenary meeting at 2.30 pm next Monday (May 29).
The meeting will take place at the Conference Hall, first floor, Central Government Offices, Main Wing (New Annexe), Lower Albert Road, Central.
Members of the public who wish to observe the proceedings are requested to reserve a seat by telephoning Mr Chan Ho-keung at 2829 6745 during office hours.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.