ENG-1992 — Page 271

TRANSPORT

Consultation to reach consensus with the users and operators of port facilities has always been an important factor in Hong Kong's economic success. The private sector is fully represented on important committees which advise the government on port policy, opera- tions and land-related issues relevant to container terminals. The massive and diverse development of the port over the next decade will require wide and detailed consultation on all aspects of port planning. A Port Development Board was established in 1990 for this pur- pose. The Port Operations Committee, which was re-organised in 1992, advises the Director of Marine on the operational needs of the port. Membership of the board and committee is drawn from a cross-section of shipping, government, commercial and port user interests.

Shipping Services

Passenger throughput at the ferry terminals managed by the Marine Department is also on the increase. In 1992, the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Macau Ferry Terminal in Central handled a total of 19.3 million passengers on routes to China and Macau of which 14.1 million used the Macau service and 5.2 million the China services. This throughput represented an increase of 7.8 per cent over 1991.

The implementation of the computer/radar Vessel Traffic System has been completed. This now plays a vital role in the monitoring of shipping movements in Hong Kong waters with the aims of enhancing safety and navigation efficiency. Participation in the system is compulsory in that vessels are obliged to respond to the Vessel Traffic Centre of the Marine Department for information requested, and to follow the advice or instructions given.

The department's launches patrol the main harbour area and its approaches. They are in continuous radio contact with the Vessel Traffic Centre, thereby enabling them to respond to any emergency and fulfil the centre's executive functions. Well-equipped fleets of fire boats, tugs, oil-pollution control vessels and marine police launches are also available to respond to emergencies in the harbour.

The full fleet of about 375 powered vessels maintained by the Marine Department is a highly visible part of the port. In addition to harbour patrol launches, fire boats and police vessels, the government has launches used for immigration, port health and customs clearance of international shipping and for the survey of international shipping. The fleet also comprises lighters, airport rescue craft, floating clinics and launches for trans- porting government staff. The department also maintains scavenging craft together with a contracted fleet of other vessels who together collect and scavenge some 5 900 tonnes of refuse annually from ocean-going ships and Hong Kong waters.

All government vessels are specially designed to meet their users' needs. The Marine Department designs and procures new vessels, maintains the whole fleet, and mans and operates about 70 general purpose craft. In 1991, the government awarded a $300-million contract to an Australian shipbuilder for the construction of six police patrol/command launches. The first two were delivered during 1992.

Bunkering facilities within the port are readily available to all vessels at commercial wharves and oil terminals, or from a large fleet of private bunkering barges. Fresh water can also be provided alongside berths, or from a private fleet of fresh-water boats.

The port has extensive facilities for repairing, dry-docking and slipping all types of vessels, including oil rigs. Vessels of up to 150 000 deadweight tonnes can be accom- modated. A large number of other shipyards are available to undertake repairs to small vessels and build and maintain sophisticated patrol craft and pleasure vessels.

227