ENG-1994 — Page 340

PORT DEVELOPMENT

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The forecasts assume that economic growth in the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development countries is likely to be 3.2 per cent a year between 1995 and 1998. But the so-called 'little dragons' - Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan - should grow by five to seven per cent a year during that period.

Outstripping even that will be China's growth, estimated at eight to nine per cent, while Guangdong's economy should see an 11 to 13 per cent growth during the 1990s.

Even as new ports spring up in other parts of southern China, the forecasts suggest that Hong Kong's share in meeting demand will continue to be substantial. Indeed, the development of the new Chinese ports is likely to stimulate growth and facilitate the further development of the economy. That will be good not only for China but also for the territory. The additional traffic will increase the chance of additional shipping calls at Hong Kong and enhance its maritime support services. The new ports will also provide 'co-operative competition', which will ensure continuing high standards and quality of service in Hong Kong.

Taking everything into consideration, the port cargo forecasts, which are demand-led and assume the incremental supply of adequate infrastructure, suggest that the 120 million tonnes of cargo that passed through the port in 1993 will have grown to 349 million tonnes by 2011. That is an annual growth rate of 6.7 per cent.

Port Development Plan

Consultants began work on the outline planning, feasibility and environmental studies for the Lantau Port in August 1991.

Their report, presented to the government in March 1993, contained a Recommended Outline Development Plan, under which 17 berths would open between 1997 and 2011 on linked artificial islands, forming two port basins linked by a transport corridor.

The selected layout permits flexible, phased development of container facilities and maximises wave protection. It also gives scope for expansion to 24 berths.

Stage I of the Lantau Port development comprises Container Terminals 10 and 11. In August 1993, the government appointed a consultant to carry out preliminary design studies for the two terminals.

A review is also being carried out to minimise the adverse environmental effects of these first two terminals.

Since October 1993, a separate consultant has been undertaking ancillary works design for the two terminals. This includes the provision of backup land, transport links and other services to Lantau Port.

Lantau Port Container Berths

Each berth will have a 320-metre quay with a terminal area of about 20 hectares and will be supported by 10 hectares of off-terminal backup land. This configuration will accommodate post-Panamax vessels (which are of such large proportions that they cannot transit the Panama Canal), and provide a storage area to cater for an annual throughput of at least 400 000 TEUS.

The backup area will be used for container storage, repair and refurbishment as well as godowns, container freight storage facilities and lorry and trailer parking. This area will be contiguous with the terminal area where possible.