The PMB has commissioned a consultancy to conduct a study on the development of the port of Hong Kong for the coming 20 years and beyond. The main objective of the study on "Hong Kong Port - Master Plan 2020" is to formulate a competitive and sustainable strategy and master plan for Hong Kong's port development and other related infrastructure, including possible options for future port facilities, over the planning period.

At a recent PMB meeting, the members discussed in detail the scope and approach of the study. The methodology adopted by the consultant is grouped under three broad themes: competitiveness     and    market  

assessment; port and strategic planning; and sustainability.

The members opined that apart from the areas proposed for the study, the consultancy should also take into account the requirements of future generation of large containerships and look at other port facilities for bulk cargo and barging operations.

The study is expected to be completed by late 2003.

Meanwhile, the PMB is also conducting another study to develop a competitive strategy and master plan to consolidate and secure Hong Kong's position as an International Maritime Centre.  

The "Study to Strengthen Hong Kong's Role as an International Maritime Centre" is aimed at increasing Hong Kong's attractiveness as a base for international maritime enterprises and developing Hong Kong's maritime cluster. The PMB members at a recent meeting were updated on the progress of the study and they exchanged views on the preliminary findings. They also noted that a Facilitation Committee, which comprised Shipping Committee members and experts in the maritime industry, has been established to monitor and guide the progress of the study.

The study is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.  

The PMB is not in the position to act as the mediator in the row of the Terminal Handling Charges (THC).

The Board reached this agreement at its latest meeting after a discussion on the Consumer Council's report suggesting the Board to take up the role to police the level of charges. Members also agreed that the current mechanism for determining THC is based on an  

international practice and is a commercial matter between shippers and shipping lines.

Noting that the issue had also been discussed at a motion debate at an earlier Legislative Council meeting, the Board supported the move to urge the Government to step up its effort in facilitating discussion among concerned parties with the aim to increase the transparency of the process and improve on the consultation mechanism.  

At the Legislative Council meeting, the Government reiterated its stance that it is inappropriate for the Government to interfere with commercial activities and the price level, which is determined by the market. However, the Government agreed that it would closely monitor the situation and strengthen its role in liaising with the parties to resolve their disagreements through dialogue.