ENG-1972 — Page 182

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Communications and Transport

FOR its size Hong Kong has the most sophisticated communications system in Asia —a system that is continuing to expand to keep pace with advances in technology. Satellite earth stations, computers, highly complex electronic equipment have all been a part of Hong Kong's communications network for some years. These, together with older-established systems, make Hong Kong a major international communica- tions centre.

Shipping

Hong Kong harbour is one of the busiest in the world and it has earned a world- wide reputation for the way in which it caters for the requirements of modern shipping. Victoria harbour, which lies between Hong Kong Island and the city of Kowloon, is one of the three most perfect natural harbours in the world and it has an area of

square miles, varying in width from one to six miles.

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The administration of the port is one of the responsibilities of the Director of Marine. To ensure that port facilities and services continue to develop along with the changing needs of Hong Kong and of the ships which use the port, the Director is advised on its administration by the Port Committee and the Port Executive Committee, through which the closest liaison with Hong Kong's shipping and com- mercial interests is maintained. With the exception of the Hong Kong-Macau ferry terminal wharf, the department neither controls nor operates any of the alongside berths of the port nor the transit sheds or warehouses associated with them. It does, however, operate and maintain 74 moorings for ocean-going vessels within the harbour. Of these, 44 are classified as being suitable for use by ships up to 600 feet in length, and 30 for ships up to 450 feet in length. Special typhoon mooring buoys are provided for vessels wishing to remain in the port during the passage of a tropical storm. In addition, the largest and deepest draught vessels afloat can also be afforded a safe anchorage. The commercial wharves can accommodate vessels of up to 1,000 feet in length with draughts not exceeding 36 feet.

Quarantine and immigration facilities are available on a 24-hour basis at the Western Quarantine Anchorage and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Eastern Quarantine Anchorage. This change in times of availability of the 24-hour clearance from the Eastern to the Western Anchorage reflects the emphasis now being placed upon the arrival and departure of vessels via the western approaches to the harbour. Ships are normally cleared on arrival and large passenger vessels are processed en route to their alongside berth or mooring buoy. Advance immigration clearance may be obtained by certain vessels on application, as may radio pratique.