XN000022-1996-01-08 — Page 46

45

* A sophisticated Vessel Traffic Service established in 1989 provides real-time information on ocean going vessel movements necessary to advise marine pilots and masters of potential dangers.

* Compulsory pilotage introduced in 1985 to ensure ocean-going vessels are provided, on the navigation bridges, with adequate local advice, has been progressively extended to cover all vessel over 3,000 gross registered tons and all tankers over 1,000 gross registered tons.

* Additional launches have been deployed by the Marine Department in the busy fairways to assist in the control of river-trade and local traffic and to marshal traffic. Their operating hours have been extended. In addition, dedicated launches have been stationed in areas where marine works temporarily affect fairway alignments and widths; and

* Local Marine Traffic Control Centres have been established in recognised conflict vicinities such as the Ma Wan Channel to provide greater control over small ship movements. The centres ensure the risk of small vessel conflicts with ocean-going vessels is minimised.

Mr Liu predicted that growth in the marine traffic would continue with total movements in 2001 estimated to be 578,000 from 384,000 in 1994. Of these movements, higher percentage will be in larger cargo vessels and faster ferries.

He also expected the port hub would expand further to the west with the construction of the Lantau Port and the river-trade terminal at Tuen Mun and plans for further marine works within the inner harbour.

He said pro-action was a continuing requirement and the proposed programmes to meet the future challenges included -

* Planning to identify future traffic patterns, transport modes and linkages and conflict vicinities under a related consultancy, the Marine Activities, Associated Risk Assessment and Development of a Future Strategy for the Optimum Usage of Hong Kong Waters Study, scheduled to be completed by the end of 1996. This will provide options for a strategic blueprint for optimum waterway alignments and will ensure that vessel traffic management resources are located and employed in the most efficient and cost-effective manner;