XN000022-1996-02-15 — Page 14

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Study on inner harbour waves commissioned

The Civil Engineering Department (CED) today (Thursday) signed a $4.2 million consultancy agreement to commission the University of Hong Kong to conduct a study on inner harbour waves and their reduction.

The consultancy aims to assess the wave conditions in Victoria Harbour and examine types of wave energy dissipating seawalls that can be adopted in Hong Kong, a spokesman for CED said.

"As part of a three-phase study to address the wave agitation problem in the Victoria Harbour, the consultancy study will also identify other short-term and long- term engineering solutions which could effectively ease the problem.

"The second and third phase of the study will entail monitoring and testing on the recommended wave energy dissipating seawalls and detailed design of the seawalls," he added.

Victoria Harbour is in general well sheltered. Under normal weather conditions, wind-generated waves and swells are low and pose no significant problems to the operations of vessels.

However, in recent years, cargo handling, berthing and similar marine activities have become more difficult, and passage of small vessels has become less comfortable in certain parts of the harbour.

"The main cause of the confused sea state was the ship waves generated by the increase of marine traffic. The situation is aggravated by waves reflected from solid vertical seawalls around the harbour," the spokesman said.

Managed by the Civil Engineering Office of CED, the consultancy will commence this month for completion in 12 months.

The consultancy agreement was signed by the Government Civil Engineer, CED, Mr Tam Wing-kwong, and Professor Allen Chwang of the University of Hong Kong.

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