The PMB will conduct a study on "Hong Kong Port: Master Plan 2020".

The main objectives of the Study are to formulate a competitive strategy and master plan for port development in the coming 20 years and beyond; and to finalise the preferred location of major container port and related infrastructure.

The Study will focus on the competitiveness of our port as a leading one in the region; the role of port operation in the development of transportation and logistics services in Hong Kong, and the economic importance and contribution of the port.

It will also identify new initiatives to strengthen the competitive edge of our port; to attract the flow of cargoes; to attract investors to develop port facilities; to increase the productivity of the port; to create a conducive environment and the necessary infrastructure to facilitate port  development;  and

to develop a more effective institutional structure for development and promotion of our port.

The Study will also advise on the long term (up to 2030) port cargo forecasts with and without the implementation of the proposed initiatives; and the sustainability of further port development in Hong Kong.

In the selection of preferred location of future port facilities, Computer Aided Sustainability Evaluation Tool will be employed. It will assess different dimensions including economic and financial performance; general engineering feasibility and development programme; land use compatibility performance; transport planning performance; environmental acceptability, ecological, visual and landscape performance; marine impact assessment; sustainability performance; and feedback from the industry.

The Study is scheduled to start in the third quarter of the year 2002.