Thursday, 23 March 2000

Hong Kong is the world's busiest container port with its total throughput in 1999 reaching more than 16.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, said the port of Hong Kong recorded a 11.2 per cent increase in container throughput last year, bringing Hong Kong back to the number one position as the world's busiest container port.

Mr Ip said the robust performance of the container throughput was attributable to the acceleration of the Asian economic recovery plus a significant upturn in transpacific shipments in the second half of 1999.

In 1999, the Kwai Chung container terminals recorded a growth of 7.7 per cent to 10.3 million TEUs, the mid-stream throughput grew by 7.5 per cent to 2.8 million TEUs and river trade continued to enjoy a buoyant growth at 29 per cent to 3.1 million TEUs.

On the outlook for the port of Hong Kong, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board (PMB), Mr Peter Thompson, said the expanding South China cargo base would remain our main cargo source.

"In addition, Hong Kong will have much to gain from the spurring effect of China's imminent accession to the World Trade Organisation," he said.

The Secretary of the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board, Mr Alex Fong, said the PMB is forecasting a 7 per cent growth in container throughput for Hong Kong in 2000.

Meanwhile, the PMB today (March 23) has commissioned the GHK (Hong Kong) Ltd as its consultant for carrying out a comprehensive consultancy study to update Hong Kong's Port Cargo Forecasts. Regular reviews of the Port Cargo Forecasts, which span up to 20 years ahead, are carried out to ensure that these forecasts are kept as up-to-date as possible.

The Chairman of PMB's Port Development Committee, Mr Gerry Forsgate, said, "Timely provision of port facilities is crucial to the success of the port of Hong Kong. A key element of matching supply of port facilities with demand is the accurate forecast of future port cargo demands. The port cargo forecasts will provide crucial data for carrying out realistic and accurate planning for future port facilities and the provision of port-related infrastructure."