TNAG-0272-FCO40-308-Scheme-for-development-of-container-terminal-at-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 79

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of facilities for containerisation on 10 September 1968.

It was then considered that many doubts still remained regarding

the future development of containerisation generally, and

in respect of Hong Kong in particular. An interim scheme which

could be expected to meet Hong Kong's requirements was then

considered sufficient until a more definite assessment of

future requirements could be made. Interim schemes involving

proposals by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co.

Ltd., and North Point Wharves Ltd., have therefore proceeded.

However, neither scheme is likely to be able to meet the

requirements of the fully non-self-sustaining container-

ships which will be coming to Hong Kong in the next three years.

It would therefore appear essential that work should proceed

as soon as possible on the development of container facilities

at Kwai Chung on the basis of the proposals set out in Stage I

of the feasibility study summarised at Annex A.

11.

There appear to be three possible approaches to the

question of financing the construction of the container berths:-

(a) by the berths being developed either singly

(b)

or together entirely by private interests;

by the area being developed with public funds,

and then either the facility being operated

by Government or leased as a turnkey operation

to a private operator; and

(c) by Government carrying out the first stages

of development and then leaving the final

stages and equipping of the facilities to

private interests.

12.

Α

Development by Private Interests:

Although a

great deal of interest has been shown by some local godown

and shipping interests in the development of container-

terminal facilities

and this would be in keeping with

/the