XN000022-1995-09-15 — Page 2

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Study of marine traffic and optimum water usage launched

The Marine Department today (Friday) embarks on one of the most comprehensive studies of marine traffic and the optimum use of marine waters undertaken anywhere in the world to date.

At a contract-signing ceremony marking the commencement of the Marine Activities, Associated Risk Assessment and Development of a Future Strategy for the Optimum Usage of Hong Kong Waters Study (MARAD Study), the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, said the study had the considerable task of examining the present strategy for water area utilisation and vessel traffic movement throughout Hong Kong.

Mr Dale said: "A detailed survey of present-day activities and trends would be undertaken together with a long-term forecast of the needs for both commercial and pleasure activities in our waters.

"From this will be derived an optimum strategy for usage of our limited water areas, taking account of current and future environmental impact," he noted.

The recent rapid economic growth in the Pearl River was the catalyst for the dramatic rise in the numbers, and changes in patterns, of marine traffic experienced over the last few years.

In strictly statistical terms the number of vessel movements through the port of Hong Kong, which is often referred to as the world's busiest port, was 384,000 in 1994, delivering a throughput of 147 million tons of cargo and over 21 million passengers.

Growth in marine traffic activity has been most pronounced in Hong Kong's western waters reflecting the strategic shift of the port to the west.

The resulting high density of commercial shipping activities dictates that all available space in the western harbour and beyond is designated for specific uses associated with services to ships such as anchorages, fairways, mooring areas and typhoon shelters.

These areas are subject to a high degree of management control to ensure a high level of safety standards is maintained, while maximising utilisation of facilities and efficient movement of vessels.