14
Transport
20 million TEUs per year. In addition, the Marine Department manages six public cargo working areas with a total berth length of 4,852 metres, providing an alternative for operators handling cargo carried by barges and coasters.
The Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its approach channel have a navigation depth of 17 metres. This enables ultra-large container ships to use the port at all tides, strengthening Hong Kong's position as an Asia-Pacific regional port.
Cross-boundary Ferry Terminals
The Marine Department operates two cross-boundary ferry terminals, namely the Hong Kong- Macau Ferry Terminal, operating round the clock, and the China Ferry Terminal, operating daily from 7am to midnight. The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal operates daily from 7am to 10pm under a tenancy agreement between the government and the terminal operator. The department controls the use of these ferry terminals under the Shipping and Port Control (Ferry Terminals) Regulations.
Vessel Traffic Services
The department's Vessel Traffic Centre facilitates the traffic of visiting vessels to ensure their safety and expeditious movement.
Harbour Patrol and Local Control Station
The department's Harbour Patrol Section operates 29 patrol launches to enforce marine legislation, maintain safety of the port and shipping, and respond to marine emergencies. Its local traffic control station in Kwai Chung provides information and traffic management services to vessels in the vicinity of the Kwai Tsing container port area.
Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for any vessel of 3,000 gross tonnage or above, oil tankers of 1,000 gross tonnage or above, and all gas carriers. The Director of Marine regulates and monitors pilotage services.
Hydrographic Services
The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces nautical charts, electronic navigational charts and other publications to help vessels navigate in Hong Kong waters. It provides Notices to Mariners for updating the charts once every two weeks and, through the internet, real-time information about tides, forecasts about tidal streams and predictions about the Ma Wan Fairway transit tidal window.
Immigration and Quarantine
Immigration and quarantine services for ships are available at the western and eastern quarantine and immigration anchorages. Immigration service is also available at the Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage for river-trade vessels.
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