ENG-1994 — Page 317

TRANSPORT

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International Ferry Services

The number of international passengers using the two ferry terminals managed by the Marine Department is increasing. In 1994, 7.4 million passengers used the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, and 13.1 million used the Macau Ferry Terminal in Central. The total was a 3.8 per cent increase over 1993. Most of these passengers travelled on the world's largest fleet of modern, high-speed passenger ferries, comprising jetfoils and catamarans operating from Hong Kong to Macau and various Chinese ports.

The department has enhanced the safety of high-speed passenger ferries by introducing statutory requirements for operators to predict and minimise the effects of shipboard system failures and to improve crew training.

Immigration and Quarantine Services

Immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, may be applied for by radio through the VTC. The Western Quarantine Anchorage provides these services round-the-clock, while services are available between 6 am and 6 pm daily at the Eastern Quarantine Anchorage. A new immigration anchorage for river trade vessels became operational at Tuen Mun in June and provides services between 1 am and 11 am. This is a particularly convenient facility for river trade vessels not intending to enter the central harbour.

== Mooring Buoys

The department provides and maintains 76 mooring buoys within the port for ships to work cargo in the stream. The buoys can be booked through the VTC. Most are typhoon moorings, where vessels are secure during tropical storms.

Bunkering

Bunkering is readily available 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 water boats.

Ship Repair and Dry-docking

The port has extensive facilities for repairing, dry-docking and slipping all types of vessels of up to 150 000 deadweight tonnes, including oil rigs. A new floating dock, with a lifting capacity of 40 000 gross tonnes, will soon be available for use. Smaller shipyards are able to build and maintain workboats and pleasure vessels. The department provides a free inspection and advice service to promote safe working practices in ship repairing, ship- breaking and cargo-handling afloat.

Treatment of Marine Wastes

A chemical waste treatment centre on Tsing Yi Island provides reception facilities for oily and chemical wastes from ships, as required under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The department also collects refuse from ocean-going ships and scavenges floating refuse from local waters. A total of 6 100 tonnes of refuse is collected annually. Floating refuse remains a serious problem and intensified scavenging is planned.