ENG-2004 — Page 344

294 Transport

In recognition of its expertise, the Hong Kong MRCC has been selected as a member of the IMO/International Civil Aviation Organisation Joint Working Group for Search and Rescue.

Government Fleet and Dockyard

Government Fleet

There are over 720 vessels of different types and sizes in the government fleet. About 134 vessels are major mechanised vessels serving 15 government departments including the Hong Kong Police Force (Marine Police region), Customs and Excise and Fire Services. These are mainly purpose-built vessels operated and manned by the user departments or the Marine Department. The department itself controls some 65 vessels, which comprise mainly patrol launches, conveyance launches, pontoons and some specialised vessels such as hydrographic survey launches and explosives carriers. They are deployed to serve the needs of port operations and other government departments that do not have their own fleets.

Since 1999, the department has been outsourcing the provision of marine transport services, such as conveyance launches and tug boats, to private contractors. In 2004, two harbour patrol vessels operating 24 hours a day were outsourced. Currently, the department has contracts with local companies for 22 vessels to provide transportation services to the department.

Government Dockyard

The Government Dockyard at Stonecutters Island occupies a land site of 9.8 hectares in addition to a sheltered water basin of 8.3 hectares. It serves as one of the operational bases for the Marine Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department.

The dockyard is also responsible for the design, procurement and maintenance of all vessels for the Government. In 2004, eight new vessels costing $196 million were built and delivered to the Government. Nine new building contracts, worth $1 million, were awarded to shipbuilders in Hong Kong and overseas.

Marine Facilities

The Civil Engineering and Development Department is responsible for the planning, design and construction of public marine facilities including piers, beacons, breakwaters, seawalls, navigation channels and anchorage areas. In 2004, the department completed reconstruction of the public piers at Peng Chau and Kat O, and continued reconstruction of the public piers at Cheung Chau and Wu Kai Sha. The department also started reconstruction of the public piers at Sha Tau Kok, Wong Shek and Ko Lau Wan and construction of a new pier and boardwalk at Stanley.

Hong Kong is one of the busiest ports in the world. For safe and efficient port operations, regular maintenance of the port facilities is particularly important. The Civil Engineering and Development Department plays an important role in the upkeep of the port of Hong Kong. It serves as the maintenance authority for civil engineering marine works and provides maintenance services to ferry piers and public and