ENG-2008 — Page 316

252 Transport

and the Dalian Maritime University, which aims at equipping their law graduates for the specialised field of maritime law.

Maritime Industry

Some 100 international shipping lines offer ocean liner services in Hong Kong. Their ships account for about 450 sailings weekly to over 500 destinations around the world. In addition, there are about 750 shipping-related companies operating in Hong Kong, providing a great variety of quality maritime services, ranging from marine insurance, legal services, arbitration, ship financing, brokerage, management and registration to ship survey services. Hong Kong is the world's eighth largest maritime centre. Its shipowners own, manage or operate more than 1 500 vessels, which represent over 8 per cent of the world's merchant fleet in terms of deadweight tonnage.

Some of the world's largest and oldest shipping companies are based in Hong Kong providing professional services not only to Hong Kong-registered ships but also to ships calling here. Other international maritime service providers have also set up offices in Hong Kong, providing various supplies and support services including ship maintenance and repair, bunkering, ship replenishment, waste disposal, information technology and communication services, auditing and tax advisory services, and training services. The shipping and maritime sectors contribute significantly to Hong Kong's economy and the job market.

Hong Kong is proactive in negotiating double taxation relief arrangements covering shipping income with its trading partners. It has so far succeeded in making such arrangements with 15 tax administrations, including the Mainland, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.

Port Administration

The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal task is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping activities in Hong Kong waters. This is achieved through comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, vessel traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and strict enforcement of rules and standards of the major international maritime conventions.

The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Through these channels, users and operators of port facilities can advise the Government on port administration matters. The Port Operations Committee advises on all matters related to efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on all matters related to pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security. In addition, the Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with matters related to local vessels, while the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.