ENG-1994 — Page 313

TRANSPORT

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Hong Kong must continue to develop the port to maintain its strategic significance as a conduit of trade, an entrepôt for China and a hub port for world trade. The blueprint for its growth is developed from the Port and Airport Development Strategy and the Port Development Plan. These plans cover not only container terminal development but other important facilities such as cargo-working areas, typhoon shelters, anchorages, container backup land, shipyard sites and berths for deep waterfront industries. The pace of development is geared to meet the forecast demand up to the year 2011. The strategic plan is reviewed regularly to take into account the latest developments.

The government has always taken the view that it should not provide commercial services that can be provided more efficiently by the private sector. This policy works well in respect of the port, and is a role model for developing ports in the region in their attempts at privatisation.

Most port facilities in Hong Kong, including container terminals and dockyards, are privately financed, designed, built, owned and operated. Services such as stevedoring, tugs and pilotage are also provided directly by the private sector. The Port Development Plan envisages a continuing high level of private sector involvement in providing port facilities and services. (Port development is covered in detail in Chapter 17.)

Port Administration

The port is administered by the Marine Department. The department's mission is to pro- ==mote excellence in marine services. In line with the government's public sector reform programme, the department has published a performance pledge, outlining the standards of services its customers can expect. In a further step to improve and meet the ever-growing demand for its services, the department is commercialising its port operations with the aim of becoming a self-financing, commercial entity within the government.

The advice given by users and operators of port facilities is an important factor in port administration. A wide range of private sector interests are represented on advisory bodies such as the Port Development Board, which advises the government on port planning and development; the Pilotage Advisory Committee, which advises the Director of Marine on all matters relating to marine pilotage services; the Port Operations Committee, which advises the Director of Marine on the operational needs of the port; and the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee, which advises on local craft matters.

Challenges in 1994

The port faces new challenges from various developments. Major reclamation work associated with infrastructural developments has led to the progressive reduction of navigable water areas. At the same time, the rapid growth in Hong Kong's trade, coupled with growth in southern China, have brought about a significant increase in marine activity. Congestion in the harbour has become a cause for concern. Congestion increases navigation risks and reduces the efficiency of the harbour. It is expected that such pressures will continue to build up in succeeding years.

This situation must be rectified if the port is to continue to serve Hong Kong's economic needs. Against this background, the focus of the Marine Department in 1994 was to identify and implement positive and effective measures to improve the efficiency and safety of the harbour. These measures are discussed in the following sections.