ENG-1974 — Page 196

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Communications and Transport

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HONG KONG has one of the most comprehensive communications and transport systems in Asia. With most of its four million people living in twin cities divided by one of the world's busiest harbours, the territory utilises almost every means of transport. Kowloon and Victoria are linked by a cross-harbour road tunnel and efficient ferry services. Fleets of double-decker and single-decker buses, minibuses and taxis con- tribute to a public transport network that will include an underground railway by 1980. Also, sedate trams clatter through Central District, cable-cars climb more than 1,300 feet up Victoria Peak and a railway links urban Kowloon with the Chinese border.

Hong Kong's sophisticated communications system continues to expand to keep pace with advances in technology. Satellite earth stations, computers, and highly complex electronic equipment have all been a part of Hong Kong's communications network for some years.

Shipping

The port of Hong Kong, one of the most perfect natural harbours in the world, caters for all the requirements of modern shipping and holds a place of prominence as a pivotal port in Southeast Asia. Varying in width from one to six miles the har- bour encompasses a total area of 23 square miles.

The administration of the port is one of the reponsibilities of the Director of Marine. To keep the Hong Kong Government advised of the shipping, commercial and other changing needs of the port, two advisory committees, the Port Committee which is advisory to the Governor, and the Port Executive Committee which is advisory to the Director of Marine, meet at regular intervals. The Marine Department does not control or operate any of the major wharves or warehouses in the port as, with the exception of the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, all wharves and terminals are provided and operated by private enterprise.

The Marine Department does, however, operate and maintain 74 mooring buoys for ocean-going vessels within the harbour. Of these, 45 are suitable for vessels up to 600 feet in length and the balance may be used by ships up to 450 feet in length. Sixty-five of the moorings are special typhoon buoys and these are strategically located for ships remaining in port during the passage of tropical storms. Additionally, safe anchorages are available for large, deep draught vessels which frequent the port. Commercial wharves are capable of accommodating vessels of up to 1,000 feet in length with draughts up to 40 feet.