Kwai Tsing Container Port / Future Development
Improving Competitiveness
The Port of Hong Kong has long been assuming the role as a gateway for South China and as a platform for intermodal transport providing connectivity with the Mainland distribution network.
Challenges
The container terminals in Hong Kong have always been competing in productivity and efficiency, but indeed there are challenges faced by the Port.
To maintain competitiveness, the container port needs to enhance its productivity and efficiency both on the land side and the quay side. On the land side, the container port has been built with an average of 14 hectares of land per 400 metres berth, which is about 45% below the international standard of 25 hectares for optimal performance. This has resulted in yard congestion especially during peak time, and in turn impacted the truck turnaround times.
On the quay side, the transshipment throughput volume via barge operations has been increased nearly 30% in the past 10 years. The increase in barge volume has caused considerable barge waiting time and may disrupt connections with on-forwarding vessels.
There is an urgent need for government support to increase the terminal back up land and also increase barge berths in the port area. Focusing on such challenges, the Association has submitted a White Paper to the Government proposing a land allocation policy for rationalization of terminal adjacent land and barge berths so as to facilitate improvement of productivity and efficiency on both land side and quay side
The Association believes that the ability to provide efficient and reliable services will enable Hong Kong to enhance the Port´s competitiveness, which will benefit all service providers and stakeholders within the port and logistics industry.
People Care and Improving Working Environment
Safety and improving working environment of people are a top priority. Policies and actions are formulated and reviewed on a regular basis, and safety performances are closely monitored, with an aim of protecting and enhancing the safety and health of people working in the Kwai Tsing container terminals.
Safety training programs have been regularly provided to workers. In 2013, the terminal operators conducted a few hundred classes of mandatory safety training for over 1,600 terminal and contractor employees.
On the amenities side, a number of enhancement measures have been implemented to improve working conditions. Enhanced meal and toilet break arrangement has been put in place. Toilets at yard areas have been renovated. More mobile toilets and mobile shower rooms have been installed. Air-conditioned resting rooms equipped with furniture and lockers are provided as resting place.
In addition, there is now regular open dialogue between all stakeholders to enhance communications.
Environmental Protection
Always mindful of preserving our natural environment and resources, the terminals comply with applicable environmental regulations and continuously pursue environmental friendly initiatives. In recent years, the container terminals have put in significant investment in massive project of converting diesel-powered rubber-tyred gantry cranes into electricity-powered. Such electrification project achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions with one terminal achieving a reduction of up to 70% comparing with the emission level in 2008.
Other measures, such as the use of low sulphur fuel, use of solar energy, water conservation and waste recycling, all work to reduce pollution, carbon emission and waste, and protecting the environment.
Commitment to support Hong Kong´s growth
To meet future challenges, the Hong Kong container terminals are committed to support Hong Kong´s growth by offering and maintaining reliable and efficient container handling services to all terminal users in the transport chain.