Besides the famous Star Ferry that crosses Victoria Harbour, there are various other ferry operators that run ferries within Hong Kong and also to neighboring cities.

Before the first cross harbour tunnel opened in the early 1970s, the Star Ferry was the only way to cross Victoria Harbour. Today, there are 3 vehicular tunnels and 4 cross-harbour subway lines, but the Star Ferry continues to be very popular among tourists and locals alike.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2010/0731/IMG_7375.jpg

Turbojet is an express ferry service between Hong Kong and the gambling enclave of Macau.

First Ferry operates many routes within the city, but it also has a Macau service.
http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051019/IMG_3048.jpg

...but the Star Ferry continues to be very popular among tourists and locals alike.

Well, you bet ya for ten cents a ride, and when the view comes for free!

The fare between Central / Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui is only HK$2.2 = US$0.28 for the upper deck and HK$1.7 = US$0.22 for the lower deck. Interestingly, the Star Ferry also runs a Central / Wan Chai - Hung Hom service geared to locals. The fare for that journey is HK$5.3 = US$0.68. Journey time is about 10 minutes for all routes.

Turbojet

http://www.pbase.com/image/18429719.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/18430166.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/21980133.jpg

First Ferry

http://www.pbase.com/image/18430162.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/21945748.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/21980132.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/22803240.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/22803295.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/22803399.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/26818881.jpg

The skyline of HK is just amazing. I like this photo:

http://www.pbase.com/image/21980132.jpg

A different type of Star Ferry :
http://www.pbase.com/image/22493325.jpg

Ferry to Discovery Bay
http://www.pbase.com/image/4361558.jpg

First Ferry & Harbourside
http://img13.exs.cx/img13/3452/RIMG1268.jpg

Others in Victoria Harbour
http://img13.exs.cx/img13/4460/RIMG1265.jpg

http://img13.exs.cx/img13/1948/RIMG1264.jpg

http://img13.exs.cx/img13/3056/RIMG1386.jpg

There are several typhoon shelters throughout Hong Kong for fishermen and leisure boaters. Hong Kong still has a boat people population - fishermen and their families that live on boats, parking in the typhoon shelters when they're not out at sea. Here's a typhoon shelter in Causeway Bay just east of downtown :

http://www.pbase.com/image/20186881.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/20186883.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/1510381.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/881521.jpg

For more photos visit :
http://www.pbase.com/pfloke/hongkongisland&page=2
http://www.pbase.com/poru/hong_kong&page=2
http://www.pbase.com/besati/hong_kong

There is another typhoon shelter on the south side of Hong Kong Island at Aberdeen. In these photos, the boats are specially arranged for the Dragon Boat festival :

http://www.pbase.com/image/17542576.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/17542565.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/17542560.jpg

For more photos visit :
http://www.pbase.com/shumjams/dragon_boat_festival

http://www.pbase.com/image/18691610.jpg

I think star ferry should rebuilt their terminals at Tsimshatsui and Central.

Star Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
There are plans to redevelop the terminals on both sides of the harbour. A plan surfaced to rebuild the Kowloon end to remove the bus station. On the Hong Kong side, the planned Central Phase III reclamation would move the terminal north and rebuild it to reflect the original terminal's design from decades past :

http://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_01.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_02.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_03.jpg
http://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_04.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_05.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_06.jpg

Turbojet from HKVS :
http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,774/madeira.jpg

yes, the star ferry is still one of the greatest attractions of hong kong, amazing views and very cheapy :cheers:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/pf194cad8f9a02d82fd8a7afe26345f34/f7601e30.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/pc922abc3dc3b4256fe9806f858de4a6a/f7601a65.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/p501c74b7e7564d5efb33d7bd63f6595a/f7601a56.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/pf2b773457c5b04f056c1ac2c0ac9bc00/f7601a43.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/p59db320267c083bdd0b2d64ece3d276a/f7601a34.jpg

Star Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
There are plans to redevelop the terminals on both sides of the harbour. A plan surfaced to rebuild the Kowloon end to remove the bus station. On the Hong Kong side, the planned Central Phase III reclamation would move the terminal north and rebuild it to reflect the original terminal's design from decades past :

http://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_01.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_02.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_03.jpg
http://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_04.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_05.jpghttp://www.criii-tdd.com/images/background/pier1/pier1_06.jpg


All these plans suck. They did not consider that the current pier is already 40 years old and deserves to be preserved. Although the plans seem to be great but in reality, the redevelopment includes reclamation of land, construction of new bypass highway, and relocation of pier in Central side as well as he removal of bus terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui side. These will force more people to take the easy, convenient, and air-conditioned MTR rather than walking a few minutes more to the ferry pier. Without the local ridership to support the operation of the Star Ferry, the fare would eventually go up and in worst case, I am worry that the project will eventually kill the Star Ferry.

Anyway, these plans are ongoing and nothing much can be done to oppose. I hope the new West Kowloon Cultural District will include a new Star Ferry pier to expand the system and keep attracting new passengers.

Source : http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/Ferries.htm

http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/GlowingStar2_big.jpg

http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/Shining%20Star_1big.jpg

http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/ShiningStar1_big.jpg

http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/turbocat_1big.jpg

http://www.orientalbuses.fsnet.co.uk/DB20_big.jpg

Source : http://www.nwsh.com.hk/eng/home/whatsnew_photogallery.asp

http://www.nwsh.com.hk/eng/home/images/photo-services-full11.jpg

http://www.nwsh.com.hk/eng/home/images/photo-services-full02.jpg

I don't like the design of the new star ferry terminal. It looks like some New Orleans dock inside Disneyland Park

From GUIA in a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.guiaworld.com/share/macauferry.jpg

Macau Ferry Pier
http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier1.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier2.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier3.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier4.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier5.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier6.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier7.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier8.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/pier9.jpg

By je1672 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hm/7.jpg

From a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/7.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/8.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hki/9.jpg

By je1672 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/7.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/hc/8.jpg

By je1672 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/7.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/8.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/9.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/flying/10.jpg

Source : cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://img20.exs.cx/img20/9141/wasaqueen.jpg

hkskyline, can you post pictures of cruise ships in HK in this thread???

Photos from a Hong Kong transport forum and pBase :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cruise/starpisces.jpg

http://www.hkcruisehub.com/HKCLDB_pics/CLDB_pis_OT_ps.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/28379222.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/17702194.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/22705171.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/29088285.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/siumingc/cruiseship

http://www.pbase.com/image/18436574.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/18436794.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/23843353.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/27920793.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/30327689.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/27325007.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/26820072.jpg

Ferries from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20040924/star_ferry.jpg

http://home.so-net.com.hk/~giggschan/firstferryix.JPG

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/firstferry9.jpg

http://home.so-net.com.hk/~giggschan/dbsupport01.JPG

http://home.so-net.com.hk/~giggschan/dbsupport02.JPG

Ferries to China by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cks/pengjiang.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cks/wuyihu.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cks/penglaihu.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cks/gangzhou.jpg

Dredging approval sought to accommodate return of QE2
46,000 cubic metres of material needs removing before the vessel can berth

Cheung Chi-fai
4 October 2004
South China Morning Post

Approval is being sought to dredge the seabed alongside the Ocean Terminal piers in Tsim Sha Tsui to prepare for the return of the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 early next year.

The work would involve the removal of about 46,000 cubic metres of material, much of it contaminated mud containing heavy metals.

Terminal operators Harbour City Estates said the work was necessary to ensure a depth of 11 metres at Hong Kong's only cruise terminal for the liner, which has a draught of 9.7 metres.

The company has sought approval from the Environmental Protection Department for a permit to allow dredging work to start.

It said the 70,000-tonne QE2, operated by the Cunard Line, which also operates the world's newest and largest cruise liner the Queen Mary 2, would arrive in Hong Kong in early March.

The liner can accommodate about 1,900 passengers and 1,000 crew. It visited the city for three days in March this year when it docked at the Kwai Chung container port.

The terminal operator said an echo-sounding device had found excessive deposits of sediment with an average depth of 50cm in the proposed dredging area.

The mud would be dumped in seabed pits at a designated site at East Sha Chau, off the north of Lantau Island.

If approval is given, the work is expected to begin in November and be completed in January.

Harbour City Estates technical manager Ng Hok-shing said regular dredging was needed to maintain sufficient depth.

"We do it at regular intervals of four to five years and we do not find the deposition of sediment has been faster than we expected.

"We just want to be more cautious to prepare for the return of the liner and we want to make sure that all risks are ruled out," he said.

Mr Ng said the company wanted to make the berth deep enough for the QE2 and had no intention of digging deeper to accommodate larger ships.

Because of the limitations of the terminal, which opened in 1966, the government is seeking sites to build a new cruise terminal to accommodate larger vessels. Sites being considered include the old Kai Tak airport. Li Ka-shing has also proposed one in Hunghom.

Thanks for all the pics- very cool!

How long would the trip take from HK to Macau? Are there any "extended" routes say from Hong Kong to the Shanghai area? Would that ever be feasible?

The ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau is about an hour long. Other than cruises, there is no extended route to Shanghai. The best way is still to fly (about 2 hours).

Victoria Harbour
http://www.pbase.com/dominic_lau/central_hong_kong

http://www.pbase.com/image/4352042.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/4361558.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/4361571.jpg

New World First Ferry (http://www.nwff.com.hk/) is jointly owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and NWS Holdings Limited ("NWS Holdings"). First Ferry was established in November 1999, and commenced its service on 15 January 2000, and operates a total of ten outlying and inner harbour ferry routes at present.

Under the same umbrella, New World First Ferry Servicos Maritimos (Macau) Limitada [First Ferry (Macau)] has operated ferry service between Macau and Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong since January 2000.

Fleet
Upon commencement of service in early 2000, First Ferry and First Ferry (Macau) invested over HK$150 million to acquire a fleet of 15 vessels and auxiliary assets and to implement a series of service enhancement programmes.

First Ferry has committed over HK$400 million to acquire a new fleet of 13 high-speed catamarans since 2000. Customer friendly and environmental friendly are the major themes of new vessels; they are double deck catamarans with maximum speed ranging from 26 to 43.5 knots while passenger capacity over 200 to 400.

Service
Currently, First Ferry and First Ferry (Macau) operate eleven routes of ferry services.

Central - Cheung Chau
Central - Mui Wo
Central - Peng Chau
Inter Islands (Peng Chau - Mui Wo - Chi Ma Wan - Cheung Chau)
Tsim Sha Tsui - Mui Wo - Cheung Chau
North Point - Hung Hom
North Point - Kowloon City
Tuen Mun - Tung Chung
Tuen Mun - Tai O
Tuen Mun - Tung Chung - Sha Lo Wan - Tai O

Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui) - Macau

Photos by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinxian.jpg
(Xin Xian)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinying.jpg
(Xin Ying)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinzhong.jpg
(Xin Zhong)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinjie.jpg
(Xin Jie)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/singwai6.jpg
(Sing Wai 6)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/singway11.jpg
(Sing Way 11)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/plentyriver.jpg
(Plenty River)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/mingriver.jpg
(Ming River)

deleted since photos no longer available

There is a shipyard on the north shores of Tsing Yi Island. Sometimes the odd Star Ferry is parked there for servicing. Here are some photos by je1672+EK1037+GW3430 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fs7.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe3.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe4.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe5.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe6.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe7.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/fe8.jpg

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou26.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou27.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkkf/flyingfame.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkkf/seasplendid.jpg

More photos by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkkf/seasupreme.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkkf/seasuperior.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/pit/parkisland6.jpg

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry1.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY I

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry2.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY II

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry3.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY III

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry5.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY V

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry6.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY VI

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry81.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXI

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry82.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXII

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry83.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXIII

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry85.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXV

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry86.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXVI

Triple-deck ferries by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinchao.jpg
(Xin Chao)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinguang.jpg
(Xin Guang)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinfei.jpg
(Xin Fei)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinguo.jpg
(Xin Guo)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinfa.jpg
(Xin Fa)

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/xinxing.jpg
(Xin Xing)

Some more Discovery Bay ferries by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,854/db16.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,855/db16.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,856/db20.jpg

http://www.yafih.com/images/1098063035_hopshingchoi.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hopshingchoi.jpg

By Cello from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://xs.to/pics/04105/coralsea18a.jpg

http://xs.to/pics/04103/discoverybay1-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/cybut/2004_0918Image0007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/cybut/2004_0918Image0015.jpg

From a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041022/ferry/xinzhong.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041022/ferry/taio_sightsee.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041022/ferry/cannon3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/153_5376.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/153_5391.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/153_5399.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/154_5405.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/154_5417.jpg

Nearing the eastern end of Victoria Harbour @ Lei Yue Mun

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/154_5427.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/eric_wu2000/154_5429.jpg

Source :
http://www.hkvs.org.hk/graphic/banner.gif

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/3,150/照片%20002.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/3,151/照片%20008.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/3,152/照片%20015.jpg

By Guia from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry1.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY I

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry2.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY II

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry3.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY III

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry5.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY V

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry6.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY VI

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry81.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXI

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry82.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXII

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry83.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXIII

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry85.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXV

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry86.jpg
M.V. NEW FERRY LXXXVI

Star Ferries

http://www.geocities.com/kowloonphotos2003/mtr/Rimg1855.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/worldphotogallery/20030210/RIMG1688.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/hkdowntown2003/20030127/RIMG0510.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/hkmidlevels/20030311/RIMG1251.JPG

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/mawys1380/asiaworldcity.jpg

Notice the brand new Police Headquarters in this photo from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.wayimages.com/data/524/1099397204img_331.jpg

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/03/c3133321170322411099459194173.JPG?1099459213477

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/03/c3133321170321031099459195005.JPG?1099459232882

There is a shipyard on the north side of Tsing Yi Island that is frequented by the Star Ferry's ships :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20040912/world_star.jpg
Photo from a Hong Kong transport forum

November 4, 2004
Cruise terminal proposals to be invited

Proposals will be invited for the development of a cruise terminal facility to meet Hong Kong's medium-term needs.

After its bi-monthly meeting today, the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee said the exercise aims to solicit innovative proposals and will allow flexibility for the private sector to forward proposals on the location, development and operation of the terminal.

The tip of the former Kai Tak airport runway is the preferred site for facilities meeting long-term demand, and the entire planning review process, including the statutory procedures, is expected to be completed in early 2008.

Some committee members expressed concern over the possible future location of the terminal and its impact on the overall design and planning of the harbour front, and the environmental impact assessment and the public participation processes the exercise will go through. The Commissioner of Tourism vowed to carefully consider the views expressed by members.

Submission arrangements endorsed

The committee endorsed arrangements for handling submissions and requests for presentation made to it by individuals or organisations.

The committee should adopt an open-door policy and welcome private submissions and requests for presentation, Committee Chairman Professor Lee Chack-fan said.

Special meetings will be held quarterly to brief members on the requests for presentation and the meetings will be open to the public.

Between special meetings, relevant sub-committees may discuss submissions and requests for presentation as the chairmen and members of the sub-committees deem appropriate or necessary.

Central Zoning Plan

The Society for Protection of the Harbour gave a presentation on its rezoning request in relation to the Central District (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan.

The Planning Department also briefed members on the planning intention of the plan, the rationale behind the planned land use, and the consultation and funding process leading to the plan's finalisation.

In order not to pre-empt discussion by the Town Planning Board, the committee will keep in view the decision of the board and respect the due process that the society's request has to go through.

"As regards the future land use of the reclaimed land, the sub-committee on the Wan Chai Development Phase II Review will further discuss the matter as necessary," Professor Lee said.

The next committee meeting will be held on January 13.

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/06/c3321462141317971099714604493.JPG?1099714617679

By Cello :
http://www.imgbucket.com/85/santamaria.jpg

The Standard
November 5, 2004

CRUISE HUB TENDER PLAN ATTACKED
Colum Murphy

Tourism Commission plans to invite consortia to submit proposals for a new cruise terminal have been attacked by a body appointed by the government to advise it on harbour development with some members accusing the Hong Kong Tourism Board of trying to short-circuit'' their work.

Is it a fashion these days that investors propose sites?'' Harbour-front Enhancement Committee member Vincent Ng asked, saying that it was the government's job to select suitable locations.

We are looking at creating a living harbour,'' said Paul Zimmerman who represents the Business Environment Council. What you're proposing is a property project with a terminal attached (that would) decimate a major stretch of waterfront.'' Ng was responding to Tourism Commissioner Eva Cheng's assertion that if Hong Kong didn't move fast it would miss the boat'' for a predicted boom in the Asian cruise industry.

Cheng said that extensive consultations with major tour companies showed that cruise companies strongly favoured a new, modern cruise terminal, preferably in Victoria Harbour.

Cheng said if Hong Kong wanted to be considered as a home port for cruises, it would have to build new terminal facilities sooner rather than later.

Failure to do so risked losing out to competition from Singapore, Tsingtao and Tianjin to become Asia's cruise hub.

The commissioner said home ports, where cruises begin and end, were far more lucrative than ports of call since tourists often decided to extend their stays and because of the money generated by supplying cruise ships with goods and services.

Globally the cruise industry is estimated to be worth HK$ 117 billion annually, with 11 million people expected to take a cruise this year _ making it the fastest-growing tourism segment. To tap this market, Cheng said there was an urgent need to expand facilities since existing facilities at Ocean Terminal were inadequate to handle the volume of expected traffic or the size of newer mega'' cruise ships.

We're not the only player in Asia,'' said Cheng. We would like to have the next berth on stream by 2009.'' An additional terminal would be needed by between 2009 and 2015 and a further one after that.

By AV315-HL8446 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi_03.jpg

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/06/c3321462141318311099714122559.JPG?1099714150812

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/06/c3321462141312851099714270002.JPG?1099714285983

By EU7767
http://www.249m.com/turbojet-santamaria-03.JPG

By GUIA & Cello from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,885/phoenix.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,886/noblehouse.jpg

http://xs2.xs.to/pics/04111/phoenix.jpg

http://xs2.xs.to/pics/04111/noblehouse.jpg

By EU7767 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.249m.com/turbojet-lilau-07.JPG

By JY6 with Harbourfront Landmark in the background :

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos/2004/10/25/c3331162423022851098697359522.jpg

From a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.sun-club.org/upload/2004110921353973499.jpg

Star Ferry Harbour Cruise
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/mawys1380/starferry.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cathayderek/image/32858470.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/22118655.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/22118656.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/28322122.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/28357547.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/32359649.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/kfochu/image/33821781.jpg

By Cello from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.win-the-lotto.com/u/04/314/09/seasuperior2.jpg

By HY4099
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/11/10/c3133320242551271100096544744.JPG?1100096562496

By GUIA
http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkkf/seasuperior.jpg

By EU7767
http://www.249m.com/hkkf-sea-superior-01.JPG

Source : http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/star_ferry

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/26555677.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/32553600.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/32553609.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/32553621.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/32553625.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/34451746.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/cykbertha/image/34451748.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/jongky/cheung_chau_island

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30130237.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30143616.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30134710.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30129258.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30149970.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/jongky/

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569020.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569194.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569195.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569196.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28986516.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569227.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569231.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/jongky/

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657888.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/30435278.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28988011.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28986892.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28988028.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657883.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/jongky/

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28986704.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28747385.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28658737.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28658302.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28658191.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28986462.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/jongky/

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657887.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657886.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657885.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28657884.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28988206.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jongky/image/28569232.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/davinci/hong_kong&page=all

http://www.pbase.com/davinci/image/9842934.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/davinci/image/9842940.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/davinci/image/9842941.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/davinci/image/9842942.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180424.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180414.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180415.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180429.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180425.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180430.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abluesheep/image/32180410.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/26559812.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/21537966.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/21747144.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/21537955.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/21537959.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/30893985.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/30894003.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/31731416.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/31478413.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/31731319.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/eddie_the_buzz/image/31444114.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/pcwing/image/36216168.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lamkiuwai/image/31688769.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lamkiuwai/image/34312130.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lamkiuwai/image/34312131.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jerwynn/image/34521967.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jerwynn/image/34716622.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/jerwynn/image/34716613.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/21531929.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/28235492.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/strangiato/image/23476248.jpg

Source : http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_044.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_036.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_033.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_029.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_032.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_031.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_028.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_020.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_013.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_012.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_008.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_001.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_030.jpg

http://www.fotop.net/albums/nethklau/outstar/Star_018.jpg

By fai jai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041114/rainbow.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041114/fareast.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20041114/nwff85.jpg

By "AV315-HL8446" from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi3_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi3_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/av315/pi3_03.jpg

From a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://www.249m.com/turbojet-funchal-41.JPG

Boats in the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter from pBase :
http://www.pbase.com/framewerkz/image/35686328.jpg

http://image22.webshots.com/23/7/51/51/218575151pvfecq_ph.jpg

By APM1.JY6520 from Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.hkedcity.net/citizen_files/aa/fd/bb3822/public_html/206_0693.JPG

http://www.hkedcity.net/citizen_files/aa/fd/bb3822/public_html/206_0694.JPG

Boat crews held after; harbour cable stolen
Martin Wong
22 November 2004
South China Morning Post

Twelve people on board three fishing boats were arrested by marine police early yesterday for allegedly pulling up 275 metres of communication cable from the bottom of Victoria Harbour.

A police spokeswoman said the emergency unit received a call at 3am, when a man who was standing at the Star Ferry Pier in Central reported seeing the three fishing boats hauling cable from the harbour.

Marine police were sent to chase the boats, two of which were intercepted near the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, the spokeswoman said.

The third boat was picked up by police in the Tuen Mun Typhoon Shelter later.

"We have found 275 metres of communication cable, in diameters ranging from one, four and six inches, on board the three boats," the spokeswoman said.

Police were still investigating the source of the cable as well as its use.

"So far, we have no idea who the owner is and we have not received any calls from any communication companies to say that their networks have been affected," the spokeswoman added.

Ten men and two women, who were aged between 19 and 49, on the boats were arrested by marine police.

Of the arrested, five are holders of mainland identity documents.

"We are still investigating if their stay in Hong Kong is legal or not," the spokeswoman said.

The three fishing boats and those arrested were last night being held at marine police headquarters in Sai Wan Ho.

By cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://img1.uploadimages.net/671559hoiyou27.jpg

By je1672 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.je1672.com/new/f1.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/f2.jpg

http://www.je1672.com/new/f3.jpg

Source : http://www.pbase.com/phantomyip

http://www.pbase.com/phantomyip/image/18518459.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phantomyip/image/18518464.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phantomyip/image/18518467.jpg

More harbour cruises from GUIA and cellist and first posted in a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/firsttravelxxxi.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/firsttravelxxxii.jpg

http://www.onepic.com/4/1101210076-61-10-7-122.jpg

Wing On Watertours by GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,885/phoenix.jpg

M.V. PHOENIX
http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,886/noblehouse.jpg

By Cellist

http://xs2.xs.to/pics/04111/phoenix.jpg

http://xs2.xs.to/pics/04111/noblehouse.jpg

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkf/manon.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkf/mankim.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/hkf/manfoo2.jpg

Star Cruises
From a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/marioso/ship1.jpg

http://www.wayimages.com/data/751/11016387462903129255_032.jpg

http://www.wayimages.com/data/751/11016387462903129255_024.jpg

http://www.wmyh.com/images/8vQ54410.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/cruise/starpisces.jpg

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/hungwai11.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou36.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou29.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/rainbowstar.jpg

By cruisesnet from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.wayimages.com/data/751/11020801252903129255_017.jpg

http://www.wayimages.com/data/751/11020801252903129255_032a.jpg

http://www.wayimages.com/data/751/11020801252903129255_034a.jpg

Quite an old boat lurking in the eastern part of Victoria Harbour - from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://home.pchome.com.tw/boy/wcs196/2004-12-6/DSCI0003.JPG

http://home.pchome.com.tw/boy/wcs196/2004-12-6/DSCI0004.JPG

http://home.pchome.com.tw/boy/wcs196/2004-12-6/DSCI0005.JPG

http://home.pchome.com.tw/boy/wcs196/2004-12-6/DSCI0007.JPG

By fei from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://home.graffiti.net/c_fykx:graffiti.net/images/hktug.jpg

Cruise dreams to become reality
13 December 2004
Lloyd's List

FOR years Hong Kong has relied on a single, cramped cruise terminal on the Kowloon waterfront in the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui tourist district as its sole link with the international cruise industry, writes Keith Wallis.

But all that could change if plans to build a second facility get the go-ahead.

The government is already backing proposals for a new complex and the Tourism Commission is due to formally invite cruise lines and other firms to submit expressions of interest to develop the facility by the end of this year.

The preferred site is at the old Kai Tak airport, although the government is leaving it to individual companies to propose sites. Hutchison Whampoa, which controls Hutchison Port Holdings, has already suggested Hung Hom in Kowloon.

The tourist group is optimistic it can sign an agreement with a successful company or group in 2006 for the first berth to be ready in 2009.

Tourism Commissioner Eva Cheng has already claimed Hong Kong would “miss the boat” if new facilities are not built swiftly.

Expansion of Hong Kong’s cruise business is expected to generate up to an extra HK$3.3bn (US$423m) a year in spending by 2010, while the global cruise industry is estimated to be worth US$15bn a year.

Ms Cheng warned: “We’re not the only player in Asia.” And other cities, notably Shanghai and Xiamen in China, were expanding their cruise liner facilities to meet the anticipated boom in the cruiseship business.

She added: “We would like to have the next berth on stream by 2009.” Extra berths would be needed by 2015 and in subsequent years.

The lack of facilities, coupled with the domin- ance of Star Cruises at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, has led larger cruise companies to use berths at Kwai Chung container port. But these are far from ideal being miles from either Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island.

Three luxury cruiseships are already booked in next year to use Kwai Chung instead of the main Tsim Sha Tsui facility. Carnival’s Sapphire Princess, a 115,875 gross tonne, 2,600 pass- enger liner, will use Kwai Chung next April because of draught restrictions at Tsim Sha Tsui. Sister vessel, Diamond Princess, will also berth at Kwai Chung three times between November and December next year for the same reason, while the 76,152 gross tonne, 2,000 passenger, Aurora, will tie-up at Kwai Chung in March because Ocean Terminal will be fully occupied.

But while a new terminal is urgently needed, the plans have recently run into opposition.

Citizen Envisioning@Harbour, an alliance of 18 organisations, has said that by asking firms to submit expressions of interest the government had surrendered its planning powers to property developers.

Paul Zimmerman who represents the Business Environment Council added: “We are looking at creat- ing a living harbour. What’s proposed is a property project with a terminal attached [that would] decimate a major stretch of waterfront.”

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/12/15/c3331151001254451103113544584.JPG?1103113577987

By 3ASV196 :

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/06/13/c3321461763328611087130580799.jpg?1102943992178

By GUIA :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou26.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou27.jpg

By HY099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

Present Star Ferry pier and new one U/C
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/12/20/c3321462051175051103554017410.JPG?1103554153215

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/12/20/c3321462051171021103553436108.JPG?1103553452589

GUIA
http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/hoiyou35.jpg

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2004/12/23/c3133322602523531103731502984.JPG?1103731512504

By fei from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://home.graffiti.net/c_fykx:graffiti.net/images/nf85.jpg

http://home.graffiti.net/c_fykx:graffiti.net/images/nf5.jpg

http://home.graffiti.net/c_fykx:graffiti.net/images/ready.jpg

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/3,156/Hung%20Hom.JPG

http://www.hkvs.org.hk/hkvdb/download.php/1,961/2005.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp01.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp07.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp09.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp11.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp14.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp21.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp22.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp25.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp27.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp36.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp45.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp08.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp15.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp19.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp23.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp26.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp29.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp30.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp34.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp40.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp41.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp42.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp43.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp44.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp02.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp03.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp04.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp05.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp10.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp16.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp20.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp37.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp39.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp24.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp28.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp33.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp38.jpg

LUCKY YOU!!! I have a few pics to share!!!!!!!

All pictures taken by me, 1024 X 768.

http://img111.exs.cx/img111/1525/HK-Shanghai-Shenzhen258.jpg

http://img111.exs.cx/img111/185/HK-Shanghai-Shenzhen241.jpg

http://img155.exs.cx/img155/8523/HK-Shanghai-Shenzhen212.jpg

http://img155.exs.cx/img155/5481/HK-Shanghai-Shenzhen265.jpg

By fai from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp12.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp31.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp32.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp06.jpg

http://clementng.ecdisk.com/temp/20050101/wp35.jpg

By dart_dc1 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://tinypic.com/162uqw

http://tinypic.com/162urp

http://tinypic.com/162us3

http://tinypic.com/162usg

http://tinypic.com/162usp

http://tinypic.com/162ut3

http://tinypic.com/162utl

http://tinypic.com/162uu0

http://tinypic.com/162uxd

http://tinypic.com/162uxs

http://tinypic.com/162uy9

http://tinypic.com/162uyp

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/central4.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/central5.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/central6.jpg

From a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://tinypic.com/16taaq

http://tinypic.com/16tac6

http://tinypic.com/16tafl

http://tinypic.com/16tagn

http://tinypic.com/16tahi

http://tinypic.com/16tai9

http://tinypic.com/16tama

http://tinypic.com/16tams

http://tinypic.com/16tanl

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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From a Hong Kong transport forum :

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http://www.picsplace.to/04451/laissezfaire18.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/kaito/laissezfaire18.jpg

By 182170 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://tinypic.com/18fbwo

HY4099
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2005/01/12/c3133323550675391105524733247.JPG?1105524753750

GUIA
http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/firstferry2.jpg

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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A triple decker by HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
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A ferry to / from China :
http://www.barcaferry.com/cks/xinheshan.JPG

Star Ferry by dart_dc1 :
http://tinypic.com/1978f5

http://tinypic.com/1978l5

http://tinypic.com/1978lv

Maritime activity in Victoria Harbour by dart_dc1 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://tinypic.com/1978nl

http://tinypic.com/1978r7

http://tinypic.com/1978s5

http://tinypic.com/1978t3

Ferries exempt from new pollution rules
Paris Lord, Hong Kong Standard
January 17, 2005

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/stdn/std/metro/images/ferry0117.jpg
Ferries can continue to use the harbor as a toilet.
KWOK TSZ-SHAN

The government wants polluters to pay, but it seems passenger ferries are immune - much to the annoyance of shipping companies.

Despite planning a new HK$19.5 billion scheme to improve sewage treatment before it is discharged into the harbor, the government does not intend tightening regulations governing sewage from passenger ferries.

While larger vessels will have to abide by stricter pollution regulations being introduced this year, passenger ferries will not.

That is because the latter are too small to include treatment facilities, meaning they will continue to discharge raw sewage into the harbor.

Environmental officials say that is acceptable because the amount the ferries produce is a fraction of all sewage discharged into the harbor each day.

But the shipping industry argues there is one set of rules for international ships and one set of more lenient rules for passenger ferries and piers.

Hong Kong Ship Owners Association managing director Arthur Bowring said international container ships cannot discharge any sewage at all in Hong Kong waters. It must be stored on board, and treated before discharging at sea.

But ferries plying ports between Hong Kong, Macau and the Pearl River Delta dump raw sewage into local waters, Bowring said.

Raw sewage also enters the harbor from toilets in the outlying islands ferry piers in Central because they are not connected to the sewage system, Bowring added. The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau denies this.

Scheduled to finish in the 2011/12 financial year, the Harbor Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A will increase sewage treatment capacity by almost 65 percent to 2.8 million cubic metres a day.

There are rules under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, more commonly called Marpol, governing sewage. Annex IV, which comes into effect internationally on August 1, covers new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above that travel international waters and are certified to carry more than 15 people.

Existing ships must comply from August 2010.

"The annex requires ships to be equipped with either a sewage treatment plant or a sewage comminuting [pulverizing] and disinfecting system or a sewage holding tank," the International Maritime Organization, which polices Marpol, said.

"The discharge of sewage into the sea will be prohibited, except when the ship has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant, or is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage using an approved system at a distance of more than three nautical miles from the nearest land, or is discharging sewage which is not comminuted or disinfected at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land."

Because China has agreed to extend the annex to Hong Kong, the SAR government is drafting new legislation, namely the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage) Regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance.

The new regulation covers large vessels. Most of the ferries servicing the SAR and delta's ports lack the room for sewage treatment facilities or holding tanks and so "are not required to treat the sewage in general," an Environment, Transport and Works Bureau spokeswoman said.

"The sewage produced by local and mainland vessels only account for about 0.14 per cent of the 2.3 million cubic meters of sewage generated in the territory each day," she said.

"The operation of these vessels should not present any major problem to our marine environment."

A marine biologist at the Chinese University association professor, Put O Ang, agrees.

"The boat will be moving, so even though they are discharging sewage, it will not be concentrated in one spot, and the waves and currents should be enough to dilute it," he said. "I do not think it will be a serious problem."

More worrying are boats stationary for extended periods, such as those moored in typhoon shelters, Ang added.

The bureau also dismissed Bowring's claim about Central ferry piers pumping raw sewage into the harbor.

The sewage from Hong Kong Island piers passes to the preliminary treatment works before being discharged.

"Further treatment to a higher standard will be provided under the proposed Harbor Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2," the spokeswoman said.

By : GUIA, dart_dc1 & HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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http://tinypic.com/1e9oy0

http://tinypic.com/1e9p1i

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Park Island Ferry by AV315-HL8446 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Ferry report by AV315-HL8446 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
Date: Date: 15 January, 2005
Route: Ma Wan (Park Island) > Central
Equipment: Cheoy Lee / Crowther Design 26m
Registraion: Park Island 8
Loading Factor: 30%
Dep Time: 1700
Arr Time: 1722

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By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By HY4099 :

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By Cello :

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By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By barca_399 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By barca_399 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
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By je1672
http://je1672.com/turbojet/tj1b.jpg

By Cello
http://files.bighosting.net/br24537.jpg

By HY4099
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By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum

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By HY4099

http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2005/01/31/c3321463122643781107103190343.JPG?1107103257507

By barca_399

http://www.barcaferry.com/My%20Webs/turbojet/VESSEL/TURBOJET/penha.JPG

http://www.barcaferry.com/My%20Webs/turbojet/VESSEL/TURBOJET/penha-1.JPG

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2005/01/31/c3133320322065181107144310769.JPG?1107144496174

Cello
http://www.yafih.com/images/1107172836_mingriver.jpg

GUIA
http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/mingriver.jpg

Videp
Date 1993 - ferry from Jordan Road terminal

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By barca_399 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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More photos at : http://www.barcaferry.com/

By barca_399 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By Andy Chan from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By HY4099

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By Cellist

http://www.yafih.com/images/1107950733_goldenstar.jpg

By dart_dc1 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://tinypic.com/1pjzuc

By HY4099

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By fei from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://home.graffiti.net/c_fykx:graffiti.net/images/nf85.jpg

GUIA
http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nwff/newferry85.jpg

HY4099
http://netalbum.netvigator.com/photos800/2005/02/14/c3133320320766291108320513701.JPG?1108320524765

Ships Collide in Foggy Hong Kong, Nearly 100 Hurt
Thu Feb 17, 1:37 AM ET

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Nearly 100 people were injured in two separate ship collisions in Hong Kong waters on Thursday during foggy weather.

Ninety-eight people were injured, including three seriously, after a collision between a China-registered catamaran bound for the southern Chinese city of Panyu and a Chinese cargo ship, a spokesman for the marine rescue center said.

Most of the injured were on the catamaran.

Separately, a locally registered cruise liner and a small boat collided, injuring a Hong Kong man.

"The main cause of the crashes was the fog. Visibility was only about 0.5 to two nautical miles," the marine spokesman said.

Most of the injured were sent to hospital.

Hong Kong, one of the world's busiest ports, has been shrouded in fog for weeks.

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A dense foggy grey cloud hangs over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, obscuring the top floors of the territory's tallest building, the International Finance Center, on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005. The Hong Kong Observatory said the fog was caused by a humid air stream. At least two boat collisions occurred amid the fog, with one injuring 97 people. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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A China-bound hovercraft, right, is berthed next to a police boat at a Hong Kong pier after collided with a Chinese freight boat in Hong Kong waters Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005. 94 people were injured with four people in serious condition among more than 160 passengers in the collision. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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By Cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/xinxing-3.jpg

http://www.2and2.net/Uploads/Images/xinfa-2.jpg

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By GUIA :

http://www.guiaworld.com/image/nansha/nansha38.jpg

By cellist :

http://www.freephotohost.com/63/nanshano38.jpg

Ferry firms keen to run Lantau service
Goal to stop illegal sampans servicing drug rehab centre
Elaine Wu and Andy Cheng
21 February 2005
South China Morning Post

At least three ferry operators have expressed interest in operating passenger services between Cheung Chau and a remote drug rehabilitation centre on Lantau Island, the Transport Department has confirmed.

The move is aimed at replacing the present inter-island passenger sampan services, ruled illegal by the Marine Department, which has been cracking down on boat owners.

Expressions of interest - the second time they had been called by the Transport Department - closed on Thursday.

There had been no response to the department's January invitation to run ferry services to and from the Christian Zheng Sheng Association's Chi Ma Wan centre.

The only way to make the 10-minute trip has been by illegal sampans, according to Jacob Lam Hay-sing, chief executive officer of the association's Chi Ma Wan centre.

Mr Lam welcomed the development but said it was too early to say whether this would secure the island's transport.

"We still need to see their proposals. If they charge too high a fare, then it will be impractical," said Mr Lam, adding that there were about 100 drug addicts and staff at the centre.

The ride from Chi Ma Wan to Cheung Chau for 20 people by sampan costs a total of $40.

He said the transport was important for the centre because Cheung Chau was the nearest community with supermarkets. The association also had a training centre at Cheung Chau for addicts.

Mr Lam said he was not opposed to the Marine Department's crackdown on the sampan operators but the government should have had an alternative means of transport sorted out beforehand.

A Transport Department spokesman said it would go through the proposals and that there was no timetable as to when the ferry service would start.

Fog strands 200 on ferries
25 February 2005
South China Morning Post

Two ferries with about 200 passengers travelling to the mainland were stranded for hours at sea yesterday because of thick fog.

They eventually were forced to head back to Hong Kong.

They were among 15 travelling between Hong Kong and Guangzhou that had their journeys cancelled or delayed by bad weather. At least 500 passengers are thought to have been affected.

The two ferries operated by Chu Kong Passenger Transport were heading for Pingzhou Port in Nanhai and Lian Hua Shan port near Panyu .

"They should have known before setting off," one passenger said. Another man said: "We virtually did not move after reaching somewhere about half way at 11.30am," he said. "The captain only decided to turn back in the afternoon."

A spokesman for the firm said a complaint would be filed against the relevant mainland departments that had refused them permission to move.

South China Morning Post
February 26, 2005
Thick fog causes flight and ferry chaos and collision off Tsing Yi
Klaudia Lee

Thick fog created chaos for air and sea traffic yesterday, with dozens of flights delayed or diverted, ferry services cancelled and a collision in waters off Tsing Yi.

About 30 passengers were aboard the ferry Island Park Two when it collided with an oil barge off the north side of Tsing Yi Island at 7.50am. The ferry's starboard side was slightly dented, but no one was hurt.

It was the third consecutive day visibility in parts of Hong Kong had fallen below 100 metres.

With visibility less than 200 metres at Chek Lap Kok early yesterday, 22 incoming flights were diverted to neighbouring airports, mostly in Taiwan and Manila.

Twenty-three departing flights were delayed.

The Airport Authority said visibility at Chek Lap Kok improved after 10.30am and aircraft movement returned to normal.

The delays came a day after an authority official gloated about the fog-bound Macau airport, describing Chek Lap Kok as an "all-weather" facility.

A Marine Department spokesman said it issued a warning at 5am cautioning vessels to proceed slowly. He added "it's up to individual ferry operators whether to cancel ferry services".

Last Thursday, heavy fog caused two collisions in the city's waters, with 106 people injured.

Eleven mainland ferries operated by Chu Kong Passenger Transport, running between Hong Kong and Pingzhou in Nanhai , Lian Hua Shan in Panyu , and Humen in Dongguan , were cancelled yesterday.

The ferry company estimated that about 400 passengers were affected by the cancellations.

Long queues formed for refunds, with passengers only learning about the cancellations when they arrived at the ticket centre in Sheung Wan. Ferry services to and from Macau and Shekou in Shenzhen were temporarily cancelled yesterday morning but services resumed after 10.30am.

The observatory attributed yesterday's fog to a humid maritime airstream, but expected visibility to improve over the weekend.

A northeast monsoon is going to bring cold, wet conditions to the city. The weather today is expected to be cloudy and misty with rain patches.

Temperatures will range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius, with fresh to strong easterly winds.

By st1856 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Source : dart_dc1 from a Hong Kong transport forum

http://tinypic.com/20ny8p

HY4099

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Cellist

http://www.yafih.com/images/1110034921_discoverybay26-2.jpg

Queen Mary Visits Hong Kong
By 3ASV196 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By HY4099

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New ferry terminals to the outlying islands in the Central Reclamation from the 1990s. Notice 2 IFC's foundations haven't been laid yet.

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
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By barca from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By dart_dc1 :

http://tinypic.com/23ry2h

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http://tinypic.com/23ry4h

Ferries collide in Hong Kong as fog reduces visibility
March 28, 2005

HONG KONG (AFP) - A high-speed ferry collided with a cargo barge in Hong Kong's busy harbour injuring 15 people as thick fog reduced visibility to just 100 metres, officials said.

The cross-border Chinese ferry carrying 46 passengers collided with the container barge moments after setting off for Nanhai around 9:00 am (0100 GMT).

The vessel limped back to port and the injured -- 10 passengers and five staff -- were taken to hospital for treatment for light injuries, a spokesman for the southern Chinese territory's marine authority told AFP.

TV images showed the collision had crumpled the bow of the ferry and rent a gaping hole in the gunwales of the barge.

In a second incident, one of the city's famous Star ferries collided with a separate barge. There were no injuries or damage reported.

Hong Kong was shrouded in thick fog all Monday morning as a humid airstream from China entered the territory's warm shores.

A poor visibility warning issued by police at midnight forced all shipping in the busy harbour -- which clocks up some 50 large container-ship movements every hour -- to slow to a crawl.

Fog blamed for three collisions in HK waters
Spate of recent crashes is on the agenda for safety talks with the mainland
Clifford Lo
29 March 2005
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong marine officials will raise safety issues with mainland counterparts after a spate of sea collisions involving mainland masters this year - including three yesterday.

Fog that blanketed Victoria Harbour has been partly blamed for the collisions yesterday morning, but the Marine Department is investigating whether any vessels were in the wrong shipping lane or travelling at an unsafe speed.

One of the accidents between a mainland catamaran and a Hong Kong barge, which injured 15 people, happened near the scene of a similar crash last month.

Ship masters have been warned to exercise extreme caution when travelling in Hong Kong waters. More fog has been forecast for today and humid, rainy weather is expected over the next few days.

A Marine Department spokesman said its representatives would raise safety issues with their mainland counterparts at a forthcoming meeting. The department will also try to get the safety message across to mainland crews through local shipping agencies as well as forums and seminars.

In the worst of yesterday's accidents, the high-speed mainland catamaran Nan Hua, carrying 46 passengers and 11 crew from Tsim Sha Tsui to Haian in Guangdong, was in collision with a 40-metre barge southwest of Tsing Yi at about 9am.

It was near the spot where another mainland catamaran and a Hong Kong-registered cargo boat collided on February 17, injuring 104 people.

Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre duty officer Wong Chan-kwong said a poor-visibility warning was issued at 12.30am yesterday. "We were told that crews sighted the barge and stopped the engine before the collision.

"Visibility had been reduced to about 100 metres in the vicinity at the time of the crash," Mr Wong said.

The crash followed a collision between a Star Ferry vessel and a barge at about 7.30am, and another between a fishing boat and a mainland vessel at about 8am.

No one was injured in either accident, although the fishing boat sank.

A man who escaped injury in the catamaran accident said the ferry had slowed seconds before the crash, and passengers were injured and bleeding after their heads rammed into the seats in front.

Another uninjured passenger said: "We're calm. Nobody was panicking. Staff were more nervous than passengers."

Four men and 11 women, aged 21 to 77, including five mainland crew members, were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment and discharged.

Six sailors, including two Hong Kong men, were rescued uninjured by marine police after their Hong Kong-registered fishing boat sank following a collision with a mainland vessel off Po Toi Island.

The mainland vessel, with a hole ripped in its gunwales, left the scene of the collision but was later found by Marine Police.

No injuries or damage were reported in the accident involving the Star Ferry.

It was carrying 10 passengers when it was in collision with a barge off Hunghom.

Hong Kong was shrouded in thick fog yesterday as a humid airstream affected the city and the coast of Guangdong, according to the Observatory. The foggy weather is expected to continue today.

Measures on speed control of high speed craft in foggy weather introduced
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Government Press Release

The Marine Department (MD) announced today (March 29) that new measures would be introduced immediately to ensure safe navigation of high speed craft in Hong Kong waters when visibility was below one nautical mile due to fog.

The new measures include:

(a) MD will remind individual high speed craft operators/companies that the Speed Restriction Exemption Permit (SREP) granted to their vessels are not valid when the visibility is below one nautical mile;

(b) MD will alert masters that the SREP granted to their vessels are not valid, and they need to navigate at a safe speed before they are issued permission to leave the berth for their vessels departing at China Ferry Terminal and Macau Ferry Terminal when low visibility exists; and

(c) All high speed craft will be required to install an automatic identification system to facilitate better monitoring of movements of these vessels.

A spokesman for the MD said: "It is important that the masters observe the conditions stated in the SREP granted to the vessels to ensure safety. If the masters violate these conditions, MD will withdraw the SREP immediately."

"We previously reminded all the high speed craft operators the speed exemption conditions in the SREP in a meeting held shortly after the marine accident of 'Nan Sha 38' which occurred last month. They were alerted to the fact that the SREP would not be valid under visibility below one nautical mile; and that MD would withdraw the SREP if the conditions were not observed."

MD has today withdrawn the SREP granted to high speed craft "Nan Hua" and "New Ferry LXXXIII" as these vessels did not navigate at a safe speed yesterday morning when the visibility was below one nautical mile.

The spokesman said: "MD will continue issuing announcements when the visibility is two nautical miles through maritime VHF channels and radio reminding masters, coxswains of vessels to exercise extreme caution and navigate in Hong Kong waters at a safe speed. All vessels should comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea."

"We shall monitor closely sea traffic during fog conditions to ensure that high speed craft will navigate in compliance with the conditions of the SREP," he said.

March 29, 2005
Government Press Release
New marine safety conditions enforced

New measures have been introduced to ensure safe navigation of high-speed craft in Hong Kong waters when visibility is below one nautical mile.

The Marine Department will:

* remind craft operators that speed-restriction exemption permits will be invalid when visibility is below one nautical mile;

* alert masters that the permit granted to their vessels are invalid, and they need to navigate at a safe speed before they are issued permission to leave berths; and,

* require all high-speed craft to install an automatic identification system to facilitate better monitoring of their movement.

If masters fail to observe permit conditions, the document will be withdrawn immediately.

Shortly after last month's Nan Sha 38 accident, the department reminded high-speed craft operators of the speed-exemption conditions at a meeting.

The department today withdrew permits for Nan Hua and New Ferry LXXXIII as they failed to navigate at a safe speed yesterday morning when visibility was low.

The department will continue issuing announcements when visibility is two nautical miles through maritime VHF channels and radio to remind coxswains to exercise extreme caution and to navigate Hong Kong waters at a safe speed. All vessels should comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Ferries lose permits after speeding on foggy day
Benjamin Wong
30 March 2005
South China Morning Post

Two high-speed ferries - including one involved in a collision off Tsing Yi - have had their speed restricted after the Marine Department said they failed to travel safely during thick fog on Monday.

The department yesterday said it had revoked the speed-restriction-exemption permits of mainland catamaran Nan Hua, which collided with a barge on Monday, and double-deck catamaran New Ferry LXXXIII, operated by New World First Ferry on the Hong Kong-Macau route.

This means the two vessels will be restricted to 40 knots in Hong Kong waters.

The department also announced last night that it was tightening speed restrictions under foggy conditions to improve safety.

Under the new measures, speed-exemption permits on all fast vessels will be revoked when visibility drops below 1 nautical mile, as it did on Monday.

A department spokesman said: "It is important that the [ship] masters observe the conditions stated in the speed-restriction-exemption permit granted to the vessels to ensure safety. If the masters violate these conditions, the Marine Department will withdraw the [permit] immediately."

The department has also demanded all high-speed craft install an automatic identification system to help it monitor movement.

Ship masters will also be told to navigate at a safe speed before they leave the China Ferry Terminal and Macau Ferry Terminal in low visibility.

The Nan Sha 38 collided with the 50-metre Zhong Hang 98 on February 17 near the scene of Monday's crash, injuring 104 people.

By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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System will tag speeding ships
Cheung Chi-fai
07 April 2005
South China Morning Post

Operators of high-speed vessels will be pressured to install a new system linked to the Marine Department to avoid collisions at sea.

Vessels without the automatic identification system that monitors speed will be refused permits to exempt them from speed restrictions in Hong Kong waters.

The measure is being introduced in response to growing concerns over recent collisions after a catamaran hit a mainland cargo vessel off Kap Shui Mun Fairway in February, leaving 100 people injured.

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip Shu-kwan told legislators the owners of fast ferries would be "persuaded" to install the system when they applied to renew their yearly exemption permits.

A Marine Department spokesman later said vessels without the system would be refused exemption permits in future.

Responding to legislators, Mr Ip denied that the government had particular trouble ensuring that mainland masters conformed with the rules. He said the mainlanders met international standards.

The automatic identification system will enable marine officers overseeing harbour traffic to spot illegally speeding vessels and take action.

Between 2002 and last year, there were nine prosecutions for speeding in Hong Kong waters.

In those three years, 619 collisions occurred in Hong Kong waters. About 70 per cent or 412 cases involved mainland-registered vessels.

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LCQ3: Tuen Mun cross-boundary ferry terminal
Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 27) :

Question:

It has been reported that the Hong Kong North West Express Limited ("North West Express") which was originally granted the right to operate the cross-boundary ferry terminal in Tuen Mun has recently sold the operating right of the ferry terminal to another company. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) apart from the North West Express, of the number and names of the organisations which submitted tenders for the operating right of the above ferry terminal;

(b) of the authorities' criteria for assessing the tenders for the operating right of the above ferry terminal, and whether such criteria include those relating to the tenderers' financial position and experience in operating the same type of ferry terminals;

(c) whether it will make public the contents of the tenders submitted by the tenderers, so that the public can assess whether the authorities' decision to grant the operating right to the North West Express is in line with the principles of fairness and impartiality; and

(d) of the latest progress of the modification works of the terminal and its commissioning date?

Reply:

Madam President,

The tenancy agreement on the cross-boundary ferry terminal in Tuen Mun was signed between the Government and the Hong Kong North West Express Limited ("North West"). Notwithstanding the recent changes in the shareholding structure and the management of the company, North West is still the tenant.

Two submissions were received in the tender exercise for the tenancy agreement. According to the guidelines on the handling of tender information, we cannot disclose the name of the other tenderer. In evaluating the tenders, we adopted the following three key criteria:

(a) whether the proposal for pier modification and provision of systems and equipment in the tender complies with the specifications in the tender documents;

(b) whether the proposal for cross-boundary ferry services operation in the tender complies with the specifications in the tender documents; and

(c) the specified amount offered.

We also asked the tenderers to provide information on their companies' organisation, business nature, and experience in operating ferry services. Since the two existing cross-boundary ferry terminals in Hong Kong are managed and operated by the Government, we did not require the tenderers to provide information on their experience in operating similar ferry terminals.

The tenders were evaluated and assessed in a fair and open manner in accordance with established procurement policy and procedures. However, as the information was submitted to the Government in confidence, we could not disclose the content of the tenders.

The tenant has submitted to the Architectural Services Department most of the plans for the pier modification works. These plans have been approved. The tenant has indicated that it would later on submit the outstanding drainage plans and would commence modification works. We have asked the tenant to provide a detailed project programme and will closely monitor the progress. We will also try to facilitate the tenant's work with a view to enabling the early commissioning of the cross-boundary ferry terminal.

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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30 April 2005
Around 3,000 Passengers Ride On First Ferry to Joss House Bay
& Pray for Good Health
Corporate Press Release

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(5:30 pm, 30 April 2005, Hong Kong) New World First Ferry Services Limited ("First Ferry") arranges special ferry service from North Point West Pier to Joss House Bay in Sai Kung today and tomorrow for the public to pay a visit to Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay and pray for good health. Up to 5:00 pm, First Ferry has taken about 3,000 passengers to Joss House Bay.

First Ferry provides overnight hourly service to Joss House Bay today.

First Ferry provides both Ordinary Ferry Service and Fast Ferry Service between North Point West Pier and Joss House Bay. The round trip fare of adult for Ordinary Ferry Service is $50 while it is $60 for both Ordinary Ferry Service (Deluxe Class) and Fast Ferry Service. The fare of children aged 12 or below is half of adult fare.

For passengers' enquiries, please call the Customer Service Hotline at 2131 8181 or visit our website http://www.nwff.com.hk.

By 3asv196 from a Hong Kong transport forum :
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By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Tourism boom lifts Shun Tak profit 53pc
Raymond Wang
22 April 2005
Hong Kong Standard

Shun Tak Holdings, run by casino mogul Stanley Ho, said net profit soared 53.8 percent last year as its ferry service and gaming income were bolstered by Macau's tourism boom, while its property sales margin improved on surging prices in Hong Kong.

The company, which operates ferry services, hospitality business in Macau, entertainment and property development, said it earned HK$503.2 million in 2004, up from HK$327.2 million a year ago, beating analysts' forecasts of HK$400 million.

It proposed a final dividend of 6.5 HK cents a share, up 85.7 percent from 3.5 cents.

Despite the sharp rise in the price of fuel, Shun Tak, which owns the Hong Kong-Macau TurboJET, said operating profit at its transportation unit jumped almost fourfold to HK$243.2 million from HK$49 million.

The company said the rebound in Macau tourism following the recovery from SARS and relaxation of travel restrictions on mainland individual travelers since mid-2003 contributed to a significant increase in passenger volume on TurboJET's Hong Kong Island- Macau and Shenzhen-Macau routes.

Passenger volume increased by 14 percent on the Hong Kong Island- Macau route last year and the Shenzhen-Macau route achieved 132 percent growth over 2003.

With relaxed travel restrictions on individual travelers from major cities on the mainland, including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing, visitor arrivals from the mainland reached 9.5 million in 2004, an increase of 66 percent year on year.

The opening of new leisure and entertainment venues in Macau also helped attract more tourists last year.

Shun Tak, which owns an 11.48 percent effective interest in Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau, said dividend income from STDM rose 28.4 percent to HK$74.4 million in 2004.

STDM owns 80 percent in Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, one of the three gaming concessionaires granted in 2002 by the Macau government to run casinos in the city.

Macau Nova Taipa Gardens Phase II, comprising 13 luxury residential towers, is scheduled for sale in the second half of this year.

In Hong Kong, the real-estate division reported a 47 percent increase in operating profit to HK$550.3 million, as the property market rebound enhanced margins.

Costs in property sales also fell to HK$1.3 billion, from HK$3.3 billion, to offset a 27 percent decline in turnover to HK$3.75 billion.

By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Tuen Mun ferry route on agenda for Greek Mythology
Freda Wan in Macau
20 May 2005
South China Morning Post

Casino operator Greek Mythology (Macau) Entertainment Group plans to launch ferry services between Tuen Mun and Macau's new ferry terminal next to the airport in Taipa.

Greek Mythology obtained the right to sail the route through buying a stake in Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal operator North West Express last year, vice-chairman Michael Chan King-ming said.

Talks with the maritime authorities in Hong Kong and Macau were continuing, he said, adding he expected the ferry services to begin this year.

"A third of the population of Hong Kong resides in the northwest New Territories," Mr Chan said. "We're not saying they should all come to Macau and gamble."

The ferry trip from Tuen Mun to Taipa will take 40 minutes, about 20 minutes faster than the ferry services from Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.

The service, which will start with three ferries, will run half-hourly.

Mr Chan also said the company would be interested in running ferry services between Hong Kong Disneyland and Macau if the theme park's management were amenable to the idea. No formal talks with Disney had begun, he said.

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By KY9143

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June 1, 2005
Government Press Release
Tuen Mun ferry pier works to resume

Modification works at Tuen Mun cross-boundary ferry terminal will soon resume for completion in the first quarter of 2006, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

She told legislators today the terminal's tenant conducted part of the demolition works last September. However, completion was delayed due to changes to the company's shareholding and management structure.

Dr Liao said the Government maintains close liaison with the tenant, and regular meetings are held to view the progress of the works.

"We will continue to facilitate the tenant's work as far as possible with a view to enabling the early commissioning of the cross-boundary ferry terminal," she said.

Reclamation work cuts Star Ferry sailings by 25pc
The journeys are longer and in rougher water conditions
Norma Connolly
30 May 2005
South China Morning Post

The Star Ferry makes about 100 fewer trips a day across Victoria Harbour from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui than it did a year ago because of the harbour reclamation, the ferry company has revealed.

The cut has saddened Winston Chu Ka-sun, adviser to the Society for the Protection of the Harbour, who said he was not surprised the reclamation had affected the ferry service so dramatically.

"When visitors pass through the reclamation area, I see some people crying. We are losing a harbour and the Star Ferry pier. It is just too terrible," he said.

The service between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui has been reduced from 384 trips on weekdays to 281, a drop of about 25 per cent. Each journey now takes two minutes longer.

But passenger levels remain "stable" at 53,000 a day, Star Ferry's assistant general manager Johnny Leung said.

The reclamation work in front of Edinburgh Place Pier in Central means the ferry can no longer take a straight course across the harbour, but must go around the reclamation site. Each trip now covers 1.56km instead of 1.5km, and takes nine minutes instead of seven.

Since November, the frequency on the route has decreased from every four minutes to six minutes in peak hours, and from every six to 12 minutes to eight to 12 minutes in off-peak hours.

Mr Leung said: "The patronage remains at a stable level of about 53,000 passengers a day. Patronage level is only one of the factors triggering any fare-increase application, and we have no imminent need at this stage to apply for a fare increase."

Weekends remain busier - on Saturdays the boats cross the harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui 293 times, and 312 times on Sundays and public holidays.

Mr Leung said rougher water conditions - the narrower harbour has increased turbulence - had not affected maintenance costs.

The move to the new Star Ferry pier - tentatively scheduled for March - will knock 300 metres off the trip.

And, according to a consultant's report commissioned by Star Ferry, the move will also knock between 7 and 13 per cent off the number of passengers using it.

Mr Chu said when changes were made to the ferry piers on both sides of the harbour passengers would have to walk a lot further to reach them and may choose to take the MTR, bringing a further blow to the fortunes of the historic ferries.

"The pier at Central will be demolished next year and the new one is half a kilometre from Statue Square. People will have a very long walk if they want to cross the harbour," he said.

Mr Chu said the Star Ferry was to Hong Kong what Buckingham Palace and the White House were to Britain and America.

"Tens of millions of people have travelled on the Star Ferry. It's a major tourist attraction," Mr Chu said.

He had noticed crossings were getting rougher and docking took longer.

"One old lady could not get off the ferry because it was bouncing up and down so much. She was really upset," he said.

Captains of fog collision vessels to be prosecuted
Dennis Ng
3 June 2005
Hong Kong Standard

The captains of a high-speed ferry and a mainland cargo vessel that collided in fog near Tsing Yi in February will be prosecuted, the Marine Department said.

The announcement followed the completion of a report into the accident in which 102 people were injured, making it one of the worst marine collisions in Hong Kong waters in recent years.

While the department has withheld the report's findings for legal reasons, it will implement several preventive measures in a bid to avoid similar accidents happening again.

On the morning of February 17, the mainland-registered passenger catamaran Nan Sha 38, en route to Nan Sha in the Pearl River Delta, and the Hong Kong-bound mainland registered coastal vessel Zhong Hang 908 collided in heavy fog off the southwest corner of Tsing Yi Island.

Director of Marine Tsui Shung-yiu accepted the investigation report from the department's investigators Thursday.

The department has sought legal advice from the Department of Justice on what charges are to be laid against the ship masters for alleged breaches of the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance.

It will publish the report in full, including the findings and conclusions, when the court case ends.

However, it will send the full report to its High Speed Craft Consultative Committee, which comprises ferry operators, and to the mainland's Maritime Safety Administration for their information.

Meanwhile, operators of all 132 high-speed passenger ferries operating within Hong Kong waters or to neighboring coastal cities will be required to install onboard automatic identification systems to enable the department's Vessel Traffic Center to keep a closer watch on all harbor traffic.

All ships in Hong Kong waters, except high-speed ferries, are restricted to speed limits of 8-15 knots.

Depending on their passenger capacity and other factors, high-speed vessels are given exemption permits to travel at between 15 and 35 knots. At night, however, they are restricted to 15 knots or less.

As another preventive measure, the Vessel Traffic Center will advise ships' masters on speed-restriction exemption permits during fog warnings.

Relocated Star Ferry bus stop may deter commuters
Elaine Wu
9 June 2005
South China Morning Post

Tourism officials yesterday cleared the first hurdle to obtain funding for the construction of a bus terminus to replace the one at Tsim Sha Tsui's Star Ferry.

But lawmakers expressed concerns over whether the relocation would create traffic congestion or deter commuters from taking the ferry because of the longer walk to the bus stop.

Proposed funding of $275.7 million will be used to build two footbridges and a public transport interchange to house the new bus terminus at Wing On Plaza Garden, next to the East Tsim Sha Tsui KCRC station.

Construction is to start in September with a scheduled completion date in 2007, according to the official document. The terminus will move upon the completion of the new site.

Lawmakers of the public works subcommittee approved the funding yesterday.

Government officials plan to present the proposal to the Finance Committee for final approval by the end of next month.

But the funding does not include the cost involved in turning the bus terminus at Star Ferry into an Italian-style piazza to attract tourists.

An Economic Development and Labour Bureau spokeswoman said government officials still needed more than a year to consult concerned parties and the public before moving forward with funding. She added that some buses could still stop at Star Ferry to pick up passengers, but the terminus would no longer be located there.

The project has met with opposition after a traffic assessment report commissioned by the Wharf Group found that the Star Ferry could suffer a "significant loss in passengers" because of the inconvenient interchange. Wharf owns Star Ferry.

Traffic consultant MVA, which wrote the report, found that congestion on roads including Canton Road and Salisbury Road could worsen.

Legislator Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said she did not want to see the ferry business suffer because the Star Ferry was a historic attraction for tourists.

Tourism Commissioner Eva Cheng Yu-wah said she had been liaising with the ferry company on the project and would continue to do so. She added that she would consider the company's suggestions when the traffic consultant completed its study.

"We are very willing to incorporate good suggestions," she said.

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Ailing First Ferry likely to increase fares
Accumulated losses since taking over Yau Ma Tei ferry and falling passenger numbers leave operator in sea of red ink
Felix Chan
10 June 2005
South China Morning Post

New World First Ferry yesterday refused to rule out seeking a fare rise to cut down its increasing operational losses.

The warning came as it plans to cut ferry services on two inner-harbour routes in an attempt to make savings.

First Ferry, which runs 10 outlying islands and inner-harbour routes, said it had been running at a loss since taking over from Yau Ma Tei ferry in 2000. The cumulative loss had reached $5 million by the start of this year.

The operator said the loss was mainly due to a combination of rising fuel costs and dwindling passenger numbers.

In 2000, fuel expenses were $26 million and accounted for 12.5 per cent of operating costs. By last year, it topped $50 million - 23 per cent of costs.

Over the same period, passenger numbers on its outlying island and inner-harbour services dropped by 5 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Patronage on its outlying islands services (Cheung Chau, Mui Wo and Peng Chau) now stands at about 28,000 a day, while that of inner-harbour routes is about 6,700.

The operator said the loss would have been greater if not for revenue generated from its non-licensed operations, including charter services, and cost-cutting measures, such as relocating its annual docking and maintenance works to other low-cost sites.

But with the end of the contracts on some of the charter services, revenue from its non-licensed services, which totalled $12 million in the past five years, would dry up.

John Hui, director and general manager of First Ferry, said that as oil prices were expected to keep rising and to remain high over the next two years, the operator's cumulative loss could reach $52 million in 2008.

"We will consider different options to improve our financial situation including fare adjustments," he said. "At the same time, we will continue to fight for waivers of fees and charges such as survey fees on our fleet and other miscellaneous charges."

Mr Hui, however, ruled out introducing a fuel charge similar to those of airlines, claiming it was technically difficult and hard to calculate.

Tsoi Yiu-cheong, co-spokesman for the Coalition to Monitor Public Transport and Utilities, said there were no valid grounds for a fare rise. "A fare hike at present is wrong from the perspective of people's livelihood and completely ignores their affordability," he said. "Although the economy seems to have recovered on the surface, workers' pay has not increased."

From June 23, First Ferry services on both inner-harbour routes will operate at 30-minute intervals, instead of the present 20-minute interval. The number of daily sailings on those routes would be reduced from 151 to 102 as a result.

First Ferry said the revision would save the operator $1 million a year.

By cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Casino ship gambles on change after Viet blow
14 June 2005
Hong Kong Standard

China Golden Development Holdings, whose shares are publicly traded in Hong Kong, said its majority-owned Ming Fai Princess cruise ship has given up sailing from China in favor of Hong Kong due to regulatory uncertainties.

The company announced Monday a new two-year licensing deal with Anglo View, the company that operates the ship's casino, under which Anglo View will take on all of the ship's operations and revenues but reduce the monthly fee it pays China Golden by 80 percent. The Ming Fai Princess previously sailed between the South China ports of Haikou and Beihai and Vietnam's scenic Halong Bay.

China Golden said ``due to uncertainties in the regulatory requirements,'' it expects demand for the China-Vietnam cruises to continue to fall and the route ``to become less and less profitable in the future.''

China Golden said non-gaming revenue fell from an average HK$4.6 million per month of sailings in the year that ended last June 30 to about HK$3.5 million this past year.

The firm blamed the drop on a change in Vietnam's visa rules which prevented its ship from carrying Chinese tourists for two months and the subsequent failure of Chinese passengers to return after the visa problem was resolved last December.

China Golden justified the fee cut, from HK$7.6 million to HK$1.5 million, by the difference in costs that will be absorbed by Anglo View under the new arrangement. China Golden also defended giving Anglo View control of all ship revenues as non-gaming cruise receipts are expected to fall significantly when Anglo View begins offering discounted or free berths and meals to lure customers to the ship's casino.

Existing Hong Kong gambling cruise operators often give away tickets or charge as little as HK$150 for a berth and three buffet meals on an overnight sailing into international waters.

According to Immigration Department statistics provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, 102,372 mainland passport holders sailed on overnight gambling cruises from Hong Kong last year, 55 percent more than in 2003.

Anglo View earned HK$58 million last year on HK$148.9 million in revenue from operating the ship's casino, up from HK$12.3 million in profit on HK$116.5 million in revenue the year before.

Earlier this year, China Golden paid HK$40 million for the right to collect 20 percent of the casino's profits for the next five years.

By cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Veterans save symbol of HK's liberation from war
Simon Parry
19 June 2005
South China Morning Post

A group of old servicemen who sailed on the aircraft carrier that symbolised Hong Kong's liberation at the end of the second world war have won a battle to save the ship's wheel from the breaker's yard.

After a campaign lasting more than a year, some of the men who sailed into Hong Kong on board the HMS Vengeance in 1945 to take the Japanese surrender succeeded in having the ship's wheel returned to them in Britain.

Fifteen of the original crew from the Hong Kong mission - now all aged about 80 - were present at the HMS Vengeance Association's annual reunion where the wheel, won back from Rio de Janeiro where the ship was last year sold for scrap, took pride of place.

HMS Vengeance steamed into Hong Kong with 1,400 troops on board in 1945 and served as a base for the allied soldiers during the city's post-war rebuilding.

It was the aircraft carrier's maiden voyage, and the 16,000-tonne ship remained with the British navy until 1956, when it was sold to the Brazilian navy, which kept it in active service until it was decommissioned in 2001.

A campaign to save it as a floating museum to the Pacific Fleet was launched in Britain and reunited scores of former sailors and pilots who served in Hong Kong aboard HMS Vengeance. But they were unable to raise the money to buy and maintain it.

However, as the ship began its last journey to a breaker's yard in India, they lobbied hard to have the wheel preserved and returned to them and made ship broker Philip Bush, who handled the sale of the Vengeance, promise to keep it for them.

Reg Warner, 81, a torpedo operator on board the vessel when it sailed into Hong Kong in 1945, said: "It meant a lot for us to get the wheel back. It's a symbolic thing for us and it gives us a focus, because we were all very sad about the ship being broken up."

Mr Warner will return to Hong Kong, for the first time since the war, in September on a visit funded by a government programme called Heroes Return.

He plans to visit the Yacht Club, which has a life belt from the HMS Vengeance on its bar wall and to visit the grave of a friend who died of malaria during the war mission 60 years ago.

Mr Bush said: "Of course, I remain very sad at the outcome of the vessel and not a small amount bitter that I could not find anyone willing to help save the old girl.

"The word unique is overused but the condition of this vessel was truly unique and she would have been a brilliant museum piece. Sadly it wasn't to be."

Slow casino boat from Shenzhen weighs anchor
Zach Coleman
22 June 2005
Hong Kong Standard

For travelers weary of taking a train, bus or ferry between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, a Chinese company is now offering slow cruises between the neighboring cities.

The Princess Rowena liner, which previously operated under other names between mainland Spain and its outlying islands, recently started sailing six nights a week between Shekou port and the China Ferry Terminal.

The liner sails out at 7:30pm from Shekou, glides past Lantau island and into international waters before returning to Victoria Harbor before noon the next day.

The meandering route allows the cruise to offer baccarat and other casino games, according to a mainland travel agent offering bookings.

The cruises are presently just marketed in the mainland. The operator could not be reached for comment, but berths and three meals are going for 268 yuan (HK$252), a price comparable to that of nightly cruises out of Hong Kong to and from international waters. Passengers can book passage without a berth for 200 yuan.

The Spanish-built ship, launched in 1979, can carry 500 passengers.

Star Cruises' SuperStar Gemini and the Chinese-owned Jiari cruise liner each operated briefly on the Shenzhen- Hong Kong route a few years ago.

Chinese press reports have quoted Princess Rowena's operators as saying they expect to succeed where those ships failed, by offering lower fares and access to Hong Kong Disneyland.

They plan to open a Guangzhou- Hong Kong route later.

One official said the cruises are targeted at mainland agents who can then offer cheaper Hong Kong travel packages to their customers by booking them on the ship for a night, rather than in a Hong Kong hotel.

A floor plan on the ship's Web site appears to show a casino with nine tables. According to a major international shipping database, the ship's owner is a Shanghai company called Fairview International Enterprises.

According to Immigration Department statistics provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, 102,372 mainland passport holders sailed off on overnight gambling cruises from Hong Kong last year, a 55 percent jump on 2003.

Casino gambling is illegal in mainland China. Gambling cruises appear to fall into a gray area, although police officials claimed to have shut down one liner's operations as part of the recent national gambling crackdown.

三江匯聚 特大洪峰直撲珠三角
中港水路客運停航
24/06/2005

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華南持續暴雨，廣東省內主要江河水位暴漲，西江、北江及東江形成三江匯流險象，特大洪峰湧向珠江三角洲，加上正值天文大潮期，珠三角、包括澳門在內的九個沿岸城市和特區面臨二百年一遇特大洪水侵襲，防汛形勢嚴峻。西江首個洪峰今日抵達珠海時極可能出現海水倒灌的大水浸，毗鄰的澳門內港可能水浸。西江水流湍急，由香港前往珠三角僑鄉如江門、三埠、中山、順德及肇慶航班昨晨停航，明日能否復航仍需視乎汛情。

廣東的西江、北江及東江出現罕見的「三江洪峰會」匯流，北江的洪峰昨日下午已經抵達佛山三水市，西江的洪峰預期將在今日凌晨時分通過肇慶高要市，明日將與北江洪峰會合，一同湧向珠三角。廣東省的水文專家昨日以「屋漏偏逢連夜雨」形容現時的防汛形勢。

粵啟動緊急防洪預案

珠江三角洲各地區目前正值農曆十七的天文大潮影響，區內各處潮水水位站均已超過警戒線，肇慶高要水文站的水位已超過警戒線兩米，水位遠高於肇慶市區，惠州全市的抽水機已日夜不停抽水，各地已進入防汛高峰期。

廣東省的水文專家預計，今年的洪災正包括對珠三角內的華南重鎮最不利的元素，近日出現的洪峰已經接近一九一五年二百年一遇的特大洪水量，汛情與一九九四年六月，廣東發生的特大洪災的時間、量級、洪潮相似，或有機會出現與九四年類似的大規模洪災。

內地民政部的統計顯示，自六月初洪災發生以來，廣東共有四十二人死亡、十三人失蹤，二百零九萬人受災，超過二十萬人被緊急疏散，直接經濟損失十二億七千萬元人民幣。

解放軍廣州軍區已投入五萬官兵抗洪，廣東省委書記張德江已派出七個工作組，分別前往廣東各個災區巡視，指揮救援，有需要時要求水利專家協助。廣東省三防總指揮部昨日亦啟動緊急防洪預案，省育廳昨日亦發出緊急通知，要求各地學校，必要時可以停課。

廣東省內各級官員經已全部取消休假或出差，需要坐鎮原有工作崗位嚴防汛情，由於西江洪峰預料今日會進入珠海，當地官員擔心強大的洪峰會引發海水倒灌現象，沿岸地區已加強防禦工作。

澳門昨晚發水淹警告

由於位處珠江口的澳門地勢不高且屬沿江沿海地點，威脅相當大。澳門特區港務局昨晚接到國家水利部門通報，向市民發出水淹警告，海水水位比正常高出約一米，內港可能水淹。

在西江出現暴漲及急流影響下，由香港往來珠江三角洲的江門、中山、斗門、高明、鶴山、三埠、順德、肇慶及公益的九條航線，昨晨開始停航兩日，明日能否復航需要視乎汛情而定。

乘客余先生早前由中山來港探望胞姊，原定乘搭昨午開出的珠江客輪回鄉，當抵達中港客運碼頭時才知航班取消，無奈改購另一船公司的航班前往順德。往中山探親的廖先生與妻子獲悉停航後，亦改乘直通巴士到內地，不過對於船公司突然宣布停航甚為不滿。

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澳門娛樂集團經營香港新跨境碼頭 (23/06/2005)
http://www.atchinese.com/2005/06/0623h2.htm

香港–香港第三個跨境客運碼頭，預計2006年第第一季運作。該碼頭位於屯門碼頭現址，由香港西北航運快線有限公司營運，總投資額約十億港元，首階段計劃開設屯門至澳門之航線。

身兼澳門希臘神話娛樂集團副主席的西北航運董事陳鏡明，較早前曾對傳媒表示，經營該碼頭其中一個目的，是提供一條少於一小時航程的港澳航線，吸引居住香港西北部的居民，直接到達澳門仔，希望增加希臘神話賭場的客源。

屯門跨境渡輪碼頭是香港第三個跨境客運碼頭，也是新界區首個跨境碼頭，23日舉行改建動工儀式。西北航運在首階段計劃開設屯門至澳門之航線，並會研究經營其他跨境航線的可行性。

跨境渡輪項目的總投資額約為十億港元，包括付予香港特區政府之費用、屯門碼頭改建及澳門口岸設施之開支，以及為屯門至澳門航線購買六艘新型船隻。未來碼頭的收入將來自航運服務、屯門及澳門碼頭內零售店舖的租賃及其他船隻停泊的收費。

屯門跨境渡輪碼頭的設計，每小時可處理800名乘客，預期在二零零六年初投入服務後，每日可處理約一萬名過境旅客。

屯門至澳門航線之航行時間約為45分鐘至一小時，並預期在試航順利後，可將航行時間縮短至30分鐘。碼頭初步會由早上七時至晚上十一時每天營運16小時，每小時開出兩班渡輪。西北航運將會密切監察乘客的需求。若有需要，會延長營運時間及加密渡輪班次。

根據資料顯示，香港西北航運快線有限公司，擁有香港特別行政區批出之投標合約，可改建及使用屯門碼頭，用作經營跨境渡輪服務。西北航運為一家由吳文新(別名：街市偉)擁有之香港私人公司；吳文新同時是希臘神話的大股東。

香港特區政府早前為回應市民的要求，決定在香港設立第三個跨境客運碼頭，並將跨境碼頭項目以公開招標方式批出。

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By kychung from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Tuen Mun ferry pier gamble
July 11, 2005
Hong Kong Standard

A Macau casino has spurred new business opportunities and is driving up property prices in the northwest New Territories.

Greek Mythology Casino, one of the leading players in Macau gaming, is planning to spend HK$1 billion on upgrading the Tuen Mun ferry pier into a customs-equipped cross-border terminal that can handle around 10,000 people each day.

Ambitious planners are keen to transform Tuen Mun into a transit point and entertainment hub, with plans to make the ferry pier an airport check-in point and, in the long-run, a cruise liner terminal.

The company, which will operate as the Hong Kong North West Express, will open routes between Tuen Mun and Macau, Zhuhai and Shekou during the first quarter of next year.

The company's top executives have already spent large sums on the project, including the purchase of computers and X-ray equipment for customs and immigration officers.

They expect to break even within five years, capitalizing on the booming economies of southern China, but others believe the casino company will reap money faster from gambling tours made easier by the new water routes. The ferry link will transform the New Territories, said vice president of Greek Mythology (Macau) Entertainment Group Michael Chan in an interview with The Standard.

Chan is also the director of Hong Kong North West Express. ``We can land anywhere along the Pearl River Delta within 30 minutes,'' he said, adding the links will eventually create the shortest sea route from Hong Kong to Macau and neighboring cities in Guangdong.

Currently, people living in the area heading for Macau have to travel to Tsim Sha Tsui or Sheung Wan in order to catch a ferry. For those heading to southern China, there are three land border points - Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and Man Kam To.

Chan said the ferry service will cut journey time to 30 minutes. To better utilize the pier, Chan said the company is in talks with the Airport Authority about a route to the airport.

This would allow passengers to check in their bags at the pier instead of at the airport, a service similar to that provided by the Airport Express.

Chan believes such a route will increase business at Hong Kong International Airport, which is facing challenges from newly built airports in the region, by servicing travellers from the Pearl River Delta.

According to Michael Ho, manager of the Tuen Mun branch of Centaline Property Agency, there is room for a 20 to 30 percent rise in property prices in the vicinity of the new pier.

"Just like many other cross-border points, the properties there will receive a higher exposure to travelers and investors,'' he said.

There are about 1,600 private flats in the area available on the market, Ho said.

For a long time Tuen Mun, as one of the most remote new towns in the territory, has lagged in property prices and other developments.

The average price per square foot for seaview apartments currently stands at around HK$2,400.

But recent improvements in transport infrastructure, such as the West Rail, coupled with the influx of individual tourists, has given a much-needed lift to commercial activities.

Following the commencement of ferry services, Ho said, the rents of shopping malls in the pier neighborhood may double. The government-subsidized Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp is currently renovating its 100,000-square-foot shopping mall next to the ferry pier.

However, Tuen Mun District Councillor Chan Wan-sang said the government should act quick in building peripheral facilities to meet the influx of tourists and to prevent congestion.

Sources told The Standard the roads leading to the pier may not be big enough for fire engines, and that there is no car park at the pier.

Chan from the casino said it will provide shuttle bus services for ferry passengers and the company is in talks with the Transport Department on how to improve connections.

There are also concerns that easier access to casinos will increase the number of gamblers and social problems amongst families in the area.

District Councillor Tai Yin-chiu said the new services will make it ``too easy'' for people to make short gambling excursions.

"It is become too easy. When the husbands go to work the wives can make a trip [to Macau] and play a few games before coming back in the evening to make dinner,'' he said.

Chan would not say whether the ferry business would encourage gambling.

"We don't want to give the impression that we want to encourage gambling,'' he said.

The ferries will operate daily, running every 30 minutes from 7am to 11pm.

By kychung from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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$150m cruise deal to lure China gamblers to HK
Zach Coleman, Hong Kong Standard
July 21, 2005

Gambling cruises from Guangzhou will begin calling in Hong Kong next year under a HK$150 million deal unveiled Wednesday by Zhong Hua International Holdings, a small Hong Kong-listed outfit with property, telecommunications and equipment-leasing businesses on the mainland.

The deal represents the latest effort to lure China's legion of gamblers by offering cruises that skirt Hong Kong and mainland prohibitions on gambling by sailing in international waters.

Though most ships currently sail overnight to and from Hong Kong, the Princess Rowena recently commenced 15-hour, meandering journeys from Shenzhen to Hong Kong via international waters. The market has been growing rapidly, with 55 percent more mainlanders joining overnight cruises from Hong Kong last year than in 2003.

Zhong Hua will buy a 70 percent stake in Apollo Luxury Cruises, whose sole asset is the exclusive right granted by China to operate cruises between Guangzhou and Hong Kong until at least 2009, the company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Zhong Hua will buy the stake from businessman Frank Wong, whose interest in Apollo will fall to 20 percent.

Before the purchase can be completed, Wong must finance Apollo's purchase of a ship capable of carrying at least 800 passengers.

Zhong Hua estimated the cost of the ship at HK$50 million-HK$65 million, and said Apollo would probably spend another HK$50 million fitting it out in time to begin operations in the third quarter of next year.

Zhong Hua said in its statement that its mainland legal adviser indicated that offering gambling in international waters would not affect its Chinese operating rights.

The company will face competition. Princess Rowena's operators have said they are also interested in sailing between Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Zhong Hua will finance the deal in part through a HK$58.8 million rights issue to be underwritten by Orient Securities.

After a 10-for-1 reverse share split, Zhong Hua will offer subscribers new share rights at a discounted price of 25 cents apiece, plus two bonus shares for each share they buy.

Zhong Hua's shares fell 2.3 Hong Kong cents to 5 Hong Kong cents after the deal was announced, cutting its market capitalization to just HK$196 million - not much more than the value of the deal. The company had sales last year of HK$25 million.

The ship Apollo would operate may be the Odysseus, a Greek liner recently purchased by Mantovana Holdings. According to a source, Mantovana has renamed the ship Lucky Star and plans to move it to East Asia.

Smoking in terminals facing ban
Matthew Lee
22 July 2005
Hong Kong Standard

Smoking might be banned inside the restricted areas of the cross-border ferry terminals in Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui if the proposed smoking amendment law is extended to cover piers, a senior health official told legislators Thursday.

The restricted areas of both terminals are under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department. There are five smoking areas in the departure halls of the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, and one room for smoking at the China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon.

``The bill proposes that, although the majority of indoor areas will have to be smoke-free, some places will be exempt from the ban on human rights, privacy and enforceability grounds,'' Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food (Health) Ingrid Yeung said at the Legco bills committee meeting.

But the intention appears to maintain the exemptions only at the airport, where limited smoking is allowed because some passengers must remain in the building for several hours. Twelve smoking rooms, each with independent ventilation systems, are located throughout the giant passenger terminal. Ferry routes operated at the Macau ferry terminal are mainly between Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the mainland cities of Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Nansha and Shenzhen. Routes operated at the China ferry terminal are mainly between Hong Kong and 17 destinations in Guangdong, and to Macau as well.

A Marine Department spokesman said the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, which initiated the amendment, will consult the public and passengers through the ferry companies before deciding whether to ban smoking in the terminals or to allow it in smoking lounges.

Sino Group, which operates the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal, said the Marine Department has not indicated a preference about setting smoking restrictions. Shun Tak Holdings spokesman Peter Pang also said it is up to the government to decide.

``But we have already banned smoking in the shopping center,'' Pang said. ``We support a smoking ban in the public area.''

Yeung said, ``From the opinions we have gathered so far, smoking should be banned in the whole terminal to protect the public from second-hand smoke.''She added that, unlike the airport, ferry passengers face relatively short waiting times.

The lone dissenting voice on the smoking-ban amendment, catering industry legislator Tommy Cheung, said it would not be fair to the terminal operators if only the airport was allowed to have smoking lounges.

The amendment is in its final stage of drafting and is likely to be passed by the end of year

Once passed, the law will ban smoking in nearly all indoor areas, including restaurants, bars, karaoke lounges, saunas and mah-jong parlors, with few exemptions.

By haiwang from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Smooth sailing ahead
Ferry operators expect brisk business with the opening of Disneyland and more routes to Macau
9 July 2005
South China Morning Post

AFTER A LONG lull, the Hong Kong ferry industry could see more activity in the future, with the possibility of additional ferry routes to Disneyland and destinations outside Hong Kong waters.

Macau-bound gamblers will soon be able to enjoy a third ferry route after North West Express, a member company of Greek Mythology (Macau) Entertainment Group, was awarded the right to renovate the Tuen Mun ferry terminal and operate ferries to and from Macau.

Although government approvals were still pending, reconstruction of the terminal was expected to get under way soon and would take six or seven months, said company spokesman Angus Ho.

The new ferry route could open as early as the end of this year, according to Mr Ho.

Suitable for Hong Kong residents and tourists, particularly visitors from the mainland, the Tuen Mun to Macau route was expected to take half the time of the Central to Macau route because there would be no need to get through Victoria Harbour, Mr Ho said. Ferries are required to slow down when passing through the busy harbour.

As a result, the company's operating costs were expected to be significantly lower and this would lead to a reduction in passenger fares.

North West Express is also looking at introducing ferry routes to Disneyland and mainland ports from its Tuen Mun terminal, but these have yet to be confirmed.

Despite the possibility of new routes reviving the industry, demand for domestic ferry services in Hong Kong is not expected to change much.

Competition in recent years from other forms of faster transportation and fewer people opting to live on outlying islands had led to an estimated 10 per cent fall in passenger traffic over the past few years, said Nelson Ng, director and general manager of Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry which mainly runs services between Central and Lamma Island.

Unlike in the 1970s and '80s, when the government encouraged Hong Kong people to travel to the outlying islands during holidays, enthusiasm for visiting the islands had fallen in recent years, he said.

Another factor was that most children were opting to spend time at home playing computer games rather than enjoying the outdoors. There were also fewer ferry passengers during key festivals, he said.

Despite the reduction in passenger traffic, Star Ferry is confident that its cross-harbour routes will remain popular with residents and tourists as it is still the most economical way of crossing Victoria Harbour.

The harbour will also remain an important asset and part of Hong Kong's heritage. While the tourism trade does help, only an estimated 30 per cent of Star Ferry's daily users are tourists.

Although the ferry industry is expected to remain largely stable, with no significant signs of growth or decline, recruitment has been difficult in recent years due to the shortage of skilled labour.

The industry used to recruit fishermen, but the 12-hour shifts are becoming less attractive to the younger generation, leading to fewer suitable entrants.

As a result, many crew members are now from the mainland.

Even maritime education has abated over the years. Since the 1990s, the Hong Kong Sea School - traditionally the training ground for deckhands and stewards - has evolved into a practical secondary school providing a liberal arts education with a bias towards the maritime and hospitality industries.

The move to reposition the school was due to the growing competitiveness of regional labour costs and the modernisation of the container sector, which led to less demand for local seamen.

The school moved to position the teaching of seamanship and stewardship into a wider employment range than simply life on board a ship.

Stewardship was changed to studies directly geared towards the hospitality industry and students completed work placements in clubs and hotels, while seamanship became a more generic subject titled maritime studies, according to Tsui Yiu-kwong, the school's principal.

"Just as the industry has reinvented itself to publicise the wide range of employment options available under the maritime umbrella, so too the school now aims to produce graduates with the aptitudes and skills for employment in the maritime and hospitality industries," he said.

Students who graduate from the school go on to take up employment in the hospitality sector, lifeguarding, ferry services, logistics and maritime support services.

They can also opt to pursue a more specialised form of maritime training at the Institute of Vocational Education.

By ccicoltd from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Crews rescued after drifting in rough seas
Clifford Lo
30 July 2005
South China Morning Post

A Hong Kong shipmaster and seven crew were rescued yesterday after abandoning their sinking boat and drifting in rough mainland waters for more than five hours.

Master Cheung Chi-wah, 39, telephoned police at 2.30am and said his fishing boat was taking in water due to bad weather about 46km south of Dangan Islands, a Marine Department spokesman said.

A plane and helicopter were dispatched by the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

Mr Cheung and his seven mainland fishermen donned life jackets and jumped into the water, abandoning their boat, Chu Man 4, when it sank at 3am.

"After searching for about an hour, the fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter were forced to return to Hong Kong because of a thunderstorm," the spokesman said.

Mainland authorities dispatched a rescue boat to the scene and nearby vessels were alerted. The two aircraft returned at 5.30am after the weather improved.

About 8.30am, the helicopter sighted the eight men drifting 9km away from where the boat had sunk. Rescuers said it was raining heavily and waves were as high as five to six metres.

The helicopter picked up seven men, while the other was rescued by a passing German cargo vessel that ferried him to the mainland.

Just after 7am, the Marine Department received another call - from a Maltese-registered cargo vessel - when it took in water 78 nautical miles southwest of Waglan Island in mainland waters.

The 6,065-tonne Behice was bound for Singapore. The 17 crew members from Pakistan, Turkey, Philippines and Russia were either on a life boat or drifting in water when they were rescued.

Operating hours of e-Channels at Macau Ferry Terminal to be extended
Monday, August 1, 2005
Government Press Release

Operating hours of the six passenger clearance auto-gates (e-channels) at the Departure Hall of Macau Ferry Terminal will be extended from today (August 1). The channels will be open to the public from 7.30am to midnight daily. Hong Kong permanent residents (aged 11 or above) holding smart identity cards can use the e-channels to perform self-service.

The Immigration Department has invited travellers to make use of the six channels. A spokeman for the department reminded people that passengers with finger skin too dry or wet or unclean would encounter difficulties in fingerprint verification. To avoid delay, they should moisturise, wipe or clean their fingers before entering e-channels.

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珀麗灣航班擬減一成
09/09/2005
http://orientaldaily.orisun.com/cgi-bin/nsrch.cgi?seq=502931

【 本 報 訊 】 對 馬 灣 島 珀 麗 灣 居 民 來 說 ， 渡 輪 為 重 要 的 交 通 工 具 ， 但 青 衣 船 廠 工 人 卻不 滿 往 來 珀 麗 灣 及 荃 灣 碼 頭 的 雙 體 船 高 速 行 駛 引 起 大 浪 ， 導 致 船 廠 經 常 發 生 工 業 意外 ， 危 害 工 人 安 全 。 珀 麗 灣 客 運 擬 減 低 航 速 ， 若 一 經 落 實 ， 每 日 的 航 班 將 減 少 約 一成 ， 而 航 程 將 由 現 時 十 分 鐘 延 長 至 十 二 分 鐘 。

青 衣 船 廠 工 人 代 表 鍾 甜 妹指 出 ， 駛 經 船 廠 對 開 海 面 的 雙 體 船 高 速 行 駛 時 ， 會 使 廠 內 的 吊 機 及 吊 杆 搖 晃 ， 隨 時擊 中 工 人 的 頭 部 。 珀 麗 灣 客 運 則 稱 ， 轄 下 雙 體 船 現 在 行 經 船 廠 一 帶 時 ， 船 速 均 由 二十 五 海 里 減 至 十 五 海 里 ， 之 後 才 再 加 速 。

珀 麗 灣 客 運 表 示 ， 與 海 事 處 及運 輸 署 實 地 測 試 後 ， 正 研 究 將 途 經 船 廠 時 的 航 速 定 為 十 海 里 ， 但 此 舉 落 實 後 ， 航 班將 由 現 時 的 一 百 零 二 班 減 至 八 十 八 班 。 海 事 處 亦 稱 ， 已 經 與 珀 麗 灣 客 運 取 得 了 共 識， 將 到 珀 麗 灣 通 知 居 民 有 關 的 最 新 消 息 及 收 集 意 見 。

September 27, 2005
Government Press Release
Tai O boat anchorage opens

The Tai O development sheltered boat anchorage has opened, protecting the ecosystem and cultural heritage, while promoting tourism.

Director of Civil Engineering & Development Tsao Tak-kiang said the four-hectare sheltered boat anchorage, with associated marine access channels, will help meet the shortfall in typhoon shelter space and revitalise Tai O.

The department built a 130-metre promenade with landing steps, and formed seven hectares of inter-tidal area from disused saltpans for mangrove replanting. It will compensate for the loss of mangrove area due to the airport and north Lantau development, benefiting local wildlife.

The old 630-metre seawall has also been restored to form a promenade.

Opened today, Mr Tsao said the $260 million upgrades will revitalise Tai O's economy and the environment.

October 5, 2005
Government Press Release
Ferry embarkation fee to drop $3 in December

The Government plans a $3 cut in the embarkation fee for passengers using cross-boundary ferry terminals, from $18 to $15.

A review showed there was room for this 17% reduction, although it will cut Government revenue by $29.8 million a year.

Most of the cross-boundary ferry operators - who are responsible for paying the fee to the Government - have agreed to reduce their fares by $3.

The Government owns and operates the two cross-boundary ferry terminals in Hong Kong - the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan and the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. Its policy is to charge fees for its utilities that are sufficient to recover their full costs.

In reviewing the passenger embarkation fee, it takes into account cost-recovery as well as factors such as the likely impact on inflation, public acceptance and affordabiity.

Amendment to be gazetted on October 7

Since the embarkation fee is prescribed under the Shipping & Port Control (Ferry Terminals) Regulations, a legislative amendmentis needed to revise it.

The Shipping & Port Control (Ferry Terminals) (Amendment) Regulation 2005 will be gazetted this Friday and tabled at the Legislative Council next Wednesday. The fee reduction is slated to be implemented in December.

By CXTristar from HKADB :

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Greenpeace gains Hong Kong berth
By Keith Wallis in Hong Kong
12 October 2005
Lloyd's List

GREENPEACE International is set to berth its 1957-built, 555 gt campaign ship Rainbow Warriorin Hong Kong’s central business district by Friday after the group initially accused the government of obstructing the vessel’s arrival.

The move follows talks between the ship’s master, police and government officials.

Greenpeace communications manager Martin Baker told Lloyd’s List yesterday that it was hoped the remaining issues would be sorted out in the next few days. “The captain has to do what he has to do, so it looks as if she will be berthing by Friday,” he added.

The vessel has been tentatively been given use of a berth in the outlying islands ferry pier complex close to Hong Kong’s tallest building, the 88-storey 2 International Finance Centre.

Berthing the ship will end a wrangle between the environmental group and the government which Greenpeace believed was linked to security concerns ahead of December’s six-ministerial World Trade Organisation conference that will be held in Hong Kong.

Greenpeace said it had applied to the government on September 5 for permission to berth the ship at a convenient pier to allow the public access to the vessel, which is visiting Asia to promote cleaner, renewable energy sources.

But the organisation said it had still to receive a response to its application when the diesel and sail powered vessel arrived last week.

As a result the vessel, which is in Hong Kong until October 23, had to moor in the middle of Victoria Harbour.

Greenpeace China campaign director Lo Sze-ping said: “Because of the delay in the response to our application, the public cannot come to our ship.”

Mr Baker said lack of a berth and the midstream location of the vessel made it difficult to resupply it.

By kychung from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Greenpeace has been around Hong Kong lately. Here are some photos taken on Oct. 20th by Yau from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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仿古帆船訪港
26/10/2005
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參照著名航海家麥哲倫一五一九年駕駛的「維多利亞號」而建造的仿古帆船（Nao Victoria）首度來港，並停泊於尖沙咀海運大廈旁，供市民免費參觀。仿古帆船由西班牙政府根據歷史文獻、設計圖及考古學遺建造，可乘載十八名航海人員及五十名客人，去年開始由西班牙啟航環繞地球。船隻最珍貴之處，是仍然保留十六世紀的設備，且由風力驅動，船員可感受哥倫布當日完成人類歷史航海任務的艱辛。市民如欲登船參觀，可前往海港城海運大廈詢問處領取免費入場券，每人限取兩張，先到先得，展覽日期為今日至下周日（三十日），詳情可致電2118 8666。

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By "KK3314" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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More e-channels rolled out at China Ferry Terminal control point
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Government Press Release

Six more e-channels came into operation at the arrival hall of China Ferry Terminal control point today (October 29), following the rollout of e-channels at the departure hall of the terminal starting on August 31. The channels are open to the public from 7am to 5pm daily. Hong Kong permanent residents (aged 11 or above) holding smart identity cards may use the e-channels for self-service clearance.

The Immigration Department will review the operating situation with a view to extending the opening hours of the e-channels.

People are reminded that if their thumbs are unclean, too dry or too moist, the fingerprint scanner's ability to read their thumbprints will be affected. If the thumb is unclean, it should be cleaned before he/she enters the e-channel. In case it is too dry, a wet tissue should be used to dampen it. If the thumb is too moist, it should be wiped with a dry tissue.

If people registered their smart identity cards with fingers other than thumbs, those fingers should be used for identity verification.

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LCQ19: Fares of outlying island ferry services
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (November 9) :

Question:

It has been reported that New World First Ferry Services Limited has recently applied to the Government to increase the fares of outlying island ferry services by an average of 9.4 per cent. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the criteria it will adopt for vetting and approving the application, and whether it will consult this Council before making any decision;

(b) whether it will consider taking measures to relieve the pressure of increases in ferry fares, such as by offering further tax concessions, and allowing more advertising space to be provided at ferry piers, etc.; and

(c) whether it will consider opening up the ferry routes concerned to other operators, with a view to promoting competition and relieving the pressure for increases in the fares of ferry services?

Reply:

Madam President,

Fare adjustment of licensed ferry is subject to the approval of the Commissioner for Transport (C for T). Transport Department (TD) is now carefully considering the application for fare adjustment submitted by New World First Ferry Services Limited. In assessing the application, TD will take into consideration a number of factors which include:

(1) financial performance of the ferry operator;
(2) service performance of the ferry operator;
(3) change in operating expenses;
(4) public affordability and acceptability to the proposed rate of fare increase; and
(5) whether there are alternative means for the operator to improve its financial performance, e.g. adopting measures to cut cost or increase revenue.

The Administration appreciates public concern on ferry fare and will cautiously consider and balance all relevant factors before making a decision on the application. Since the majority of the passengers of the concerned ferry routes are residents of outlying islands, TD will take into account views of the passengers from the outlying islands. TD will also continue to gauge the opinions of Legislative Councillors as well as the general public through various channels.

In order to assist the local ferry trade to facilitate the operation of ferry services, reduce their operating cost and relieve the pressure for fare increase, the Government has adopted a number of measures to provide indirect assistance to ferry operators. On increasing non-fare box revenue, the Government now allows ferry operators to put up advertisement on the rooftop of the piers and within the pier premises. Ferry operators can recruit clients to advertise within the piers having regard to market conditions in order to make good use of the areas within the piers to boost their advertising revenue. Ferry operators are also allowed to lease out areas within the piers that can be used for commercial activities. All non-fare box revenue thus generated needs to be ploughed back into ferry operation.

In terms of reducing the operating cost of ferry operators, the Government has taken up the structural maintenance of the piers, such as the fender system and lift and ramp system, since 1997/98. Ferry operators are only responsible for routine maintenance of minor facilities at the piers. This arrangement has helped operators to reduce operating expenses on pier maintenance. When a ferry operator is relocated to a newly constructed pier, the Government will charge the ferry operator the same rental it pays for the original pier which is cheaper. On duty concession, the most practicable and feasible solution lies with concession on fuel duty. As a matter of fact, the diesel used by vessels of ferry services is duty-free and this arrangement will continue.

The Administration will maintain dialogue with the ferry operators and assist them to cut cost and generate revenue as far as possible.

Regarding the proposal of introducing other operators to run the same routes with a view to promoting competition and reducing fare, we have to consider all relevant factors carefully. These include whether patronage is sufficient to support more operators plying the same route, whether the existing pier facilities are adequate to cater for an additional operator, passengers' expectation on the quality of services and the forecasted economic conditions. Since the overall patronage of the outlying island ferry routes has been declining over the past five years while the operating cost has been on the increase due to external factors, the operation may be more difficult if additional operators were to be introduced to run the same routes. We therefore do not have plan to introduce other operators to operate the same routes for the time being.

By je1672 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By GUIA from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By ccicoltd from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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More e-channels at Macau Ferry Terminal control point
Government Press Release
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Six more e-channels came into operation at the departure hall of Macau Ferry Terminal control point today (November 30), following the rollout of e-channels at the terminal starting in May. Twelve e-channels are now open to the public at the departure hall from 7.30am to midnight daily. Six others are at the arrival hall offering service to the public from 7.30am to 2am daily. Hong Kong permanent residents (aged 11 or above) holding smart identity cards may use the e-channels to perform self-service clearance.

The Immigration Department has invited travellers to make use of the 60 e-channels installed at Hung Hom, Lo Wu, China Ferry Terminal and Macau Ferry Terminal control points.

A spokesman for the department reminded people that passengers with finger skin too dry or wet or unclean would encounter difficulties with fingerprint verification. To avoid delay, they should moisten, wipe or clean their fingers before entering e-channels.

At 131.2 metres long, 32.2 metres wide and weighing in at a hefty 20,000 tonnes ...
3 December 2005
South China Morning Post

At 131.2 metres long, 32.2 metres wide and weighing in at a hefty 20,000 tonnes, Asia Star is the world's biggest catamaran. A glitzy gang of celebrities and Hong Kong socialites put pizazz into yesterday's official launch of casino tycoon Stanley Ho Hung-sun's twin-hull, six-star hotel-casino. Mr Ho's Asia Cruises company will operate the vessel, dubbed the "hotel at sea", for members only.

Originally built with 115 luxury suites with a capacity of 350, it now has 58 more cabins and 50 extra passengers. Prices have been cut from $1,500 to $500 per night for a standard double cabin. The casino features roulette, slot machines, baccarat, blackjack, and VIP cabins. Asia Cruises executive director Winnie Kwan Lai-fung said it would provide one-night short cruises.

By garyfirst from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By turbojet929-100 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By kychung :

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新聞稿 2005 年12 月7 日
麗星郵輪「雙魚星號」12 月10 日舉行大型開放日

麗星郵輪集團隆重宣布，旗下香港最大型的郵輪「雙魚星號」，將於2005年12月10
日（星期六）舉行大型開放日。為慶祝麗星郵輪集團踏入十二周年，於十一月完
成大型粉飾工程的「雙魚星號」，特別舉辦是次活動，免費開放予市民參觀。

有興趣的市民，只須於當天下午12時30分至2時15分，親臨停泊在尖沙咀海運大廈
的「雙魚星號」，屆時船上各項設施，將免費開放予市民參觀。此外，所有參觀人
士均會獲贈精美禮品及超級驚喜優惠。名額有限，先到先得。
如欲索取更多資料，可瀏覽麗星郵輪網頁www.starcruises.com.hk。

（備註：基於保安理由，參觀人士請帶同身份証明文件辦理登船手續｡）
關於「雙魚星號」

香港最大型、排水量達四萬噸的世界級郵輪「雙魚星號」，現正呈獻國際級娛樂表
演，豔光四射的西方舞蹈員，隨著節奏明快的音樂，靈巧地大跳森巴舞，盡展熱
情奔放的西方風情，還有屢獲殊榮的中國黑龍江省雜技團，令人拍案叫絕的精湛
演出！「雙魚星號」提供一流的度假酒店式服務，中西各地美食廿四小時源源供
應，各類娛樂消閒設施應有盡有，包括泳池、按摩浴池、桑拿浴室、私人按摩室、
健身中心、美容中心、電影院、卡拉OK、電子遊戲機中心及護幼中心等。樂隊及
琴師、結他手和歌手現場彈奏並演唱百聽不厭的民歌和經典金曲，教您聽出耳油！

A skipper's got to do what a skipper's got to do
The big race around Hong Kong island was a success - after an unexpected drama below the waterline.
By VICTOR MALLET
10 December 2005
Financial Times

I could hardly believe it when the boat's engine stopped dead half an hour before the 8.30am starting gun. The consequences seemed clear - we had no chance of extracting ourselves from the marina or reaching the line to begin last month's Around the Island Race (Hong Kong Island, that is, not the Isle of Wight).

This was a bitter disappointment. There is only one such race a year. The five of us on Arapaima are hardly racing fanatics but we were raring to join the 200-strong fleet. A stiff north-easter spelled good news for heavier boats such as ours. I had bought, and we had tested, a new mainsail and a vast, bright red asymmetric spinnaker.

Disappointing but hardly surprising, I thought. After two years of trouble-free running, the Westerbeke 30-horsepower diesel had nearly caught fire the previous weekend when it overheated and melted some electric wiring, pushing a cloud of smoke into the cockpit and sending me flailing for the fire extinguishers.

With 25 minutes to go before the start, it dawned on me that the engine was fine and that it stopped only when I put it in gear. There had to be something wrapped around the propeller. It is at times like this that I bless the full inventory of a well-equipped cruising boat (including diving goggles and a sharp knife) and curse the former colonial authorities and the current government for their failure to invest enough of Hong Kong's enormous wealth in sewage treatment.

To put it bluntly, the water in Causeway Bay stinks but a skipper has to do what a skipper has to do. So I jumped in, held my breath and cut the offending tangle of old rope. We made the start on time, albeit with me in my wet underpants feverishly applying antiseptic cream to cuts on my hands. We were rewarded with the sight of yachts of all shapes and sizes caught in a wash of morning sunlight behind us in Victoria Harbour.

They were astern of us not because of our finely honed racing skills but because the slower boats such as ours had been given an earlier start. Our aim was not to win - which would be almost impossible in such an elderly boat, even with its generous handicap - but to achieve two less ambitious targets: to finish the circumnavigation of Hong Kong before the 5pm official cut-off time - and not to come last.

We were thus not so single-minded that we wouldn't have stopped to put Hugh ashore. He was half-expecting to have to rush to hospital to greet the baby awaited by his partner Kumi. In the event, the lovely Coco was born a few days later.

To a dedicated cruising sailor, there is something perverse about round-the-island races that make you sail all day, without stopping for lunch, in order to get back to where you started.

But the fun is in the tactics. As with the Isle of Wight, your performance in the Hong Kong race depends on how you cope with the tides and the highly variable winds affected by the hills and valleys of the island and the mainland. In Hong Kong, the winds are particularly fickle because the race organisers place "gates" close inshore in the lee of the island to keep the boats out of some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

With Hugh, Ray, Matthew and Bernice taking it in turns to grind in the big genoa and manage the foredeck, the 32-foot Arapaima successfully completed the short beat to windward out of the eastern end of the harbour. She revelled in the easy reaching and running around the eastern and southern shores of the island and we managed to fly the kite without broaching or ripping the sail to pieces in the unpredictable gusts.

Although Frank Pong's 76-footer Jelik finished the whole circuit in less than three hours, we were happy with the position of our much smaller vessel as we rounded the north-west corner of Hong Kong Island and passed some US warships at anchor.

From then on, however, we struggled to make headway into the eye of the wind against a westgoing tide and the last leg took us almost as long as the earlier three-quarters of the race. We were probably overcanvassed, heeling too much and making excessive leeway, but even in the best conditions an old-fashioned, long-keeled boat is not the ideal racing boat to windward.

Our casualties were reasonably light - one mysteriously ruptured finger tendon for the skipper, an accident appropriately known as a "mallet injury", and one sore head for Matthew, thanks to a noisy contact with the boom.

And the result? This was a good day on the water and we accomplished our modest mission, finishing with an hour and a half to spare and in 28th place out of the 42 slow cruisers. Not last, anyway, and sufficiently encouraging to hope for better things in the next race to Macau - as long as the engine gets us to the start line.

Maritime companies hampered by tight security around trade talks.
Meetings rescheduled and businesses closed as WTO talks come to town, writes Keith Wallis in Hong Kong
13 December 2005
Lloyd's List

MARITIME companies operating in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district are facing tougher security measures this week as part of a police clampdown to protect businesses and the public against possible violent protests during the World Trade Organisation talks.

The discussions, the sixth ministerial conference of the WTO, start today and continue until Sunday.

Companies affected include Orient Overseas Container Line, Island Navigation, Fleet Management, Zim Integrated Shipping Services, the Marshall Islands register and the TT Club.

Police have imposed a security blanket in the area surrounding the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the ministerial talks are talking place, to prevent a recurrence of the violence that disrupted previous meetings in Cancun and Seattle.

The convention centre is partly built on an artificial island and was the scene of the 1997 handover ceremony when the UK gave Hong Kong’s sovereignty back to China.

Staff in a number of high profile buildings including the Harbour Centre, where OOCL, Island Navigation, Parakou Shipping and the Marshall Islands registry are located, have been issued with special electronic passes to allow them entrance to their buildings.

Visitors have to show their passports or some other form of identification.

Police have stepped up patrols and additional security staff have been employed.

In the MassMutual Tower, about 1 km from the convention centre, and where Fleet Management and commodities outfit Noble Group have their offices, staff face additional security checks getting into the building.

Some companies, including maritime law firm Clyde & Co, have advised staff to arrange client meetings outside the office so that people are not inconvenienced by the additional security measures.

Outside areas in the buildings have also been sealed off, while some shops on the ground and first floor areas have decided to close for the week.

Police have taken tough action to prevent the ministerial meetings being disrupted.

An exclusion zone was imposed outside the conference venue yesterday to prevent unauthorised people from gaining entrance to the convention centre.

Marine police have deployed several launches, including high-speed pursuit vessels, in the harbour to prevent protesters getting close to the convention centre.

At the same time, wire mesh has been installed in the overhead walkways to the convention centre, manhole and drainage covers have been welded down and paving slabs secured to prevent protesters using them as missiles.

The additional security measures have been imposed amid growing fears that the ministerial meetings could be disrupted by radical groups, including South Korean farmers, protesting against WTO policies.

The meeting is the biggest yet, with more than 5,800 delegates, 2,167 non-government organisations and 3,207 media.

Yet the meeting is unlikely to secure the deal on fair trade that had been expected. This follows continued concern that European Union and US may block proposals to end calls on a raft of agricultural products.

Initial talks during the six-day meeting will focus on cotton and bananas.

Second international passenger cruise terminal in sight
13 December 2005
Lloyd's List

HONG Kong continues to be an active cruise and ferry market although local operators say conditions remain difficult, writes Keith Wallis

The government, though, hopes to boost the international cruise business with proposals for a second international passenger cruise terminal to augment the existing, congested Ocean Terminal that is currently dominated by Star Cruises.

Officials’ favoured location for the new terminal is the former airport at Kai Tak, where the disused concrete runway juts out into the harbour to provide ready-made berthing facilities.

But conscious that the terminal may not be completed until after 2010, the government has invited the private sector to submit their own ideas for other alternative sites by December 31.

Two locations finding favour are the Western district on Hong Kong Island, where some berthing facilities exist and which has the added advantage of being close to the central business district, and Hung Hom in Kowloon. The government is keen to expand cruise facilities after a study found Asia’s developing cruise industry will generate HK$3.3bn (US$423m) in economic benefits to Hong Kong by 2010.

The new terminal is intended to cater for international cruise operators including Star Cruises, which recently included Hong Kong on a new cruise itinerary using the 19,093 gross tonne, 800-passenger SuperStar Gemini from Singapore.

Star Cruises already home ports the 40,053 gt, 1,287 passenger Star Pisces in Hong Kong for cruises to Haikou on Hainan Island as well as operating the Wasa Queen through its Cruise Ferry subsidiary.

Several other operators offer cruises that are limited either to trips in the South China Sea or to destinations in the immediate vicinity of Hong Kong, such as Shekou.

These so-called gambling cruises, including those operated on the 1979-built, 11,513 gt Princess Rowena, allow passengers to get away from Hong Kong’s strict gaming regulations.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s traditional ferry companies are facing a tougher test in the face of high fuel costs and the poor performance of the Hong Kong dollar which is pegged to the US greenback.

New World First Ferry, one of the largest ferry companies which operates services to Hong Kong’s outlying islands and Macau, is considering plans to repair its fleet of 30 fast and conventional ferries outside Hong Kong “in places where the cost is comparatively low,” according to spokeswoman Josephine Lam.

She says the company is seeking increases in passenger fares to cover rising fuel costs while also mulling the possibility of cutting services.

She rules out any immediate plans to expand the fleet after the firm spent more than HK$200m (US$25.6m) over the last five years on service improvements, including the acquisition of eight high speed catamarans and upgrading the existing fleet.

By "EE Bus．JY6943" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By HY4099 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By 182170 :

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Fare rise threat if ad plan rejected
22 December 2005
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings have vowed to raise ticket prices if its proposal to erect a huge TV screen to show adverts on the roof of the Lamma ferry pier in Central is rejected.

The threat came after a subcommittee of the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee yesterday voted down the company's idea, which it hopes will help it balance the books.

"We will try our best to lobby the HEC members. But if we fail in the end, we will have to turn to the last resort - to increase ticket prices, though we really don't want to shift this burden to our customers," said general manager Nelson Ng.

In a meeting with the Subcommittee on Harbour Plan Review, the ferry company suggested erecting the screen on its No4 pier in Central.

The screen, opposite Two IFC, would be about 5 metres high and 10 metres long. Like the one in Times Square, it would broadcast news, the weather forecast, and community information as well as advertisements.

The proposal had already gained approval in principle from the Government Property Agency, Mr Ng said.

"Due to rising fuel prices, our ferry company is undergoing a difficult period. We have recorded an accumulated loss of $20 million so far," he said.

"This billboard {hellip} may bring us an extra profit of about $2 million each year."

However, the subcommittee members unanimously rejected the proposal in the belief it would have a negative effect on the harbour view and the appearance of the area.

Mr Ng said bigger commercial billboards had been in the same area for a long time.

By dm9261 from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By cellist :

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Star Cruises backs second Hong Kong terminal
28 December 2005
Lloyd's List

STAR Cruises, which is listed both in Singapore and Hong Kong, is the first company to declare an interest in developing a second cruise terminal in Hong Kong after forming a joint venture with two local firms.

Confirmation of Star Cruises’ interest came 10 days before the Hong Kong Tourism Commission’s December 31 deadline for firms to express interest in proposing sites for the second terminal. Hutchison Whampoa, which controls Hutchison Port Holdings, is also expected to submit its interest in the project.

Star Cruises, Asia’s largest cruise company with headquarters in Malaysia, has teamed up with Hong Kong-listed VXL Capital and privately held property developer Nan Fung Development to form Holdco.

Star Cruises and VXL Capital will each own 30% of Holdco while the remaining 40% will be held by Nan Fung Development.

VXL Capital said in a statement that Holdco will initially be responsible for submitting an expression of interest for the cruise terminal.

Holdco would also go-ahead and submit a tender, if bids are invited, and later develop and operate the terminal if the company submits the winning bid.

Initially, Star Cruises, VXL and Nan Fung will lend a total of HK$10m (US$1.3m) in start-up capital to finance Holdco, but further funding would be required depending on the progress of the project.

None of the companies gave details of their proposed site for the second cruise terminal.

The Hong Kong government favours an area at the former Kai Tak airport, but does not believe the Kai Tak facility can be completed until at least 2011.

Consequently, is has asked the private sector to propose alternative sites, through the expression of interest invitation, which could be developed faster.

Industry experts believe the two optimal locations are in the Western district on Hong Kong Island, where some berthing facilities already exist, and Hung Hom in Kowloon near the former Kai Tak airport.

The government has indicated that the proposed location should include space for a cruise ship terminal capable of handling the largest luxury passengerships, such as Queen Mary 2, with departure and arrivals halls and customs, immigration and police facilities. Alternatively, firms can suggest locations for a comprehensive terminal development that would also include related tourism services like shops, bars and restaurants.

The second terminal is needed because of growing congestion at the existing Ocean Terminal, operated by Wharf (Holdings) which also controls Modern Terminals.

Outlining the business links between the two brothers — Lim Chee Wah, chairman of VXL, and Lim Kok Thay of Star Cruises — Bloomberg said the latter is also chairman of Resorts World and Genting, one of Malaysia’s biggest companies, while

Lim Chee Wah was deputy managing director at Genting until May 2002.

The new Star Ferry terminal by Gakei :
http://www.gakei.com

http://www.gakei.com/zzz/dc/21799.jpg

碼頭大電視廣告泡湯
南丫島線或加價
31/12/2005

http://the-sun.orisun.com/channels/news/20051231/img/sn08123103_big.jpg

【本報訊】由於港九小輪公司申請在中環南丫島碼頭頂層，加裝一個五公尺高的大電視賣廣告遭共建維港委員會否決，南丫島航線於短期內有加價壓力，加幅將高於一元，否則難以解決油價高漲及嚴重虧蝕的問題。

港九小輪總經理伍兆緣指出，花了一年時間向政府申請，希望以大電視賣廣告補貼支出，亦預留三分之一播放時間給市民，提供交通資訊、新聞及天氣消息，若計畫落實，估計每年可帶來二百萬元收入，也可減輕本年達二千萬元的虧蝕，但沒有料到維港會以「影響海旁景觀」否決。

維港會審批雙重標準
不過，最令小輪公司不滿的是維港會否決小輪申請後，卻又同意基地產在北角海旁興建一幢達五十五層高的住宅大廈。伍兆緣批評，維港會審批無劃一準則，也沒有提及如何才不影響景觀，更沒有考慮計畫有助紓緩南丫島小輪票價的壓力。

由於碼頭賣電視廣告計畫極可能胎死腹中，伍兆緣表示，小輪公司可能會正式向政府申請提高南丫島小輪的票價，加幅可能會超過一元。另外，他又透露小輪公司已向政府申請，將中環四號碼頭二樓改裝成展覽中心或商務中心，以增加公司收入。 http://the-sun.orisun.com/channels/img/endmarker.gif

Cross-harbour ferry service to be terminated
31 December 2005
South China Morning Post

Discovery Bay Transportation Services will stop running ferries between Queen's Pier and Tsim Sha Tsui East from tomorrow due to low demand. Customers with monthly tickets can claim refunds at Queen's Pier tomorrow or Central Ferry Pier No3 next month. Call 2987 7351 for details.

麗星郵輪票價優惠
03/01/2006

【本報訊】近年短途郵輪之旅成為不少市民歡度周末或假日的活動。為慶祝新年來臨，麗星郵輪宣布，所有港澳居民只要出生日期包括2、0、6任何一個數字，由即日至本月二十日報名，參加由即日至本月二十六日出發的「雙魚星號」兩日一夜海上假期，並預訂標準客房至上將級套房，同房的第一及第二名乘客，均可享船費六五折優惠，最高可省六百三十三元。

法式風情吸客
另外，雙魚星號將於本月九日至二十三日，首度舉行「法國油畫展覽」及「法國美食節」，所有乘客均可免費品嘗一系列的法國地道美食，包括紅酒醬汁羊雜、甜酒醬焗蝦、野梅醬烤火雞等。而本月十五日出發的航次，更會舉行「法國佳釀美饌晚宴」，由專家講授品嘗法國名酒佳餚的心得，豪華海景套房連晚宴每位由五百三十八港元起。 http://the-sun.orisun.com/channels/img/endmarker.gif

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By "je1672" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

DB19
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DB15
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DB SUPPORT
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More e-channels rolled out at Macau Ferry Terminal control point
Friday, January 13, 2006
Government Press Release

Six more e-channels have been activated at the arrival hall of Macau Ferry Terminal control point today (January 13). Twelve e-channels are open to the public at the departure hall from 7.30am to midnight daily and 12 are at the arrival hall offering service to the public from 7.30am to 2am daily. Hong Kong permanent residents (aged 11 or above) holding smart identity cards may use the e-channels to perform self-service clearance.

A spokesman for the department reminded people that passengers with finger skin too dry or wet or unclean would encounter difficulties with fingerprint verification. To avoid delay, they should moisten, wipe or clean their fingers before entering e-channels.

By oman from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Traffic ban in central harbour for Lunar New Year fireworks display
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Government Press Release

The central part of Victoria Harbour will be closed to marine traffic on January 30 (Monday) from 7pm to 9pm for the 2006 Lunar New Year fireworks display. The Marine Department will implement the marine traffic measures in conjunction with the Marine Police and the Fire Services Department to ensure safety and smooth traffic at sea.

A Marine Department (MD) spokesman today (January 22) said that the fireworks would be launched from three barges mid-stream off Wan Chai, starting from 8pm. The surrounding waters will be closed from 2pm to 11pm to all traffic, except craft directly involved in the fireworks display, Government launches, and other authorised vessels.

"From 7pm to 9pm, the traffic ban will be enlarged to cover all the central harbour. Vessels, other than the excepted vessels (i.e. vessels directly involved in the fireworks display, Government launches, and other vessels approved by the Director of Marine), will be prohibited from entering or remaining in the restricted area," the spokesman said. "This area is bounded on the east by a line joining Hung Hom Railway Station Cargo Pier and the breakwater at Kellet Island of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and on the west by a line joining the southwest extremity of the Ocean Terminal and the Central Government Pier."

To ensure orderly disembarkation of passengers after the fireworks display, special areas will be set up at Queen's Pier and Kowloon Public Pier from about 8.10pm. These areas will include waters stretching from the piers to a distance of about 90 metres offshore. All vessels must wait at designated gathering areas for their turn to enter from the east and, later, to depart from the west of the special areas. The Marine Department and Marine Police launches will be on site to enforce the traffic measures.

All vessels approaching the restricted area before or during the fireworks display, and vessels dispersing from the viewing positions after the display should proceed at a safe speed (generally not exceeding 5 knots); maintain proper lookout; and avoid using searchlights that will obstruct lookouts and affect safe navigation of other vessels.

Before a voyage, coxswains or masters should ensure their passengers know where to find and how to use life-saving equipment; that all children wear lifejackets; and a passenger list is prepared in case of emergencies. The carrying capacity of a vessel must not be exceeded.

Small vessels, in particular those with no decking or less than five metres in length, are advised not to proceed into or remain in the central harbour area during the event. In areas of high traffic density such small vessels are vulnerable to the wash from larger vessels and are not easily detected by large vessels with higher freeboard.

To assist in landward crowd control, all public piers and landing steps within the restricted area will be closed from 7pm to 9pm. Small craft are advised to make use of other public landing facilities during the closure period. Due to high demand for landing facilities within the restricted area when they reopen, it is inevitable that delays will be experienced at all public landing facilities in the central harbour area. If possible, masters should use landing areas away from the central harbour for disembarkation.

Emergency assistance can be sought from the Marine Department through VHF radio on channel 16 (call sign "Hong Kong Rescue"); from Marine Regional Command and Control Centre by dialling 2803 6240, 2803 6241 or 999; or by issuing distress signals.

In the event of bad weather, the fireworks display may be postponed to January 31 (Tuesday), starting at the same time with the same traffic arrangements as set out above.

For details of marine traffic arrangements, please read Marine Department Notice No 15 of 2006 at http://www.mardep.gov.hk.

By Cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By "justice" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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LCQ18 : Tenant of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier plans to start cross-boundary services in mid-2006
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (February 8):

Question:

In reply to my question on the cross-boundary ferry terminal in Tuen Mun on April 27 last year, the authorities advised that they would "try to facilitate the tenant's work with a view to enabling the early commissioning of the cross-boundary ferry terminal". The target completion date originally set by the tenant for the modification works of the terminal was December 2004 and was subsequently postponed to late April 2005. Nevertheless, it has been reported that the works have not yet been completed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the details and updated progress of the modification works undertaken by the tenant;

(b) of the reasons for the Government not specifying, in the tenancy agreement signed with the tenant, the deadline for completing the works and the penalties concerned;

(c) of the measures taken by the authorities to facilitate the tenant's work with a view to enabling the early commissioning of the terminal;

(d) whether the authorities have set a target commissioning date for the terminal; if not, of the reasons for that; and

(e) of the circumstances under which the authorities will consider putting up this project for re-tendering?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Tuen Mun Pier has been serving as a domestic ferry pier. In order to modify part of the pier for operating cross-boundary ferry services, the tenant has to carry out alteration works and provide building services and related systems as required by the Buildings Ordinance and the operating departments.

There were some changes in the tenant's shareholding and management structure in early 2005. The pier modification works re-commenced in June 2005, and the structural and partition works have been substantially completed. Installation of air-conditioning, fire services and electricity equipment is currently in progress, and this will be followed by the installation of lifts, ceiling, floor, water mains and drainage pipes. The tenant has indicated that it would procure vessels shortly and that it plans to start providing cross-boundary ferry services in mid-2006.

The Government has leased part of the Tuen Mun Pier to the tenant for operating cross-boundary ferry services under a tenancy agreement, which requires the tenant to pay a monthly sum of around $1.35 million. We consider that under this arrangement, the tenant should be allowed to determine the timing for commencing the operation of the terminal, taking into account its own commercial considerations and the progress of its preparation works. The tenancy agreement therefore has neither specified any deadline for completing the pier modification works nor penalties.

To enable early commissioning of the cross-boundary ferry terminal, relevant Government departments have been facilitating the work of the tenant, including expediting the vetting of its building plans, meeting the tenant regularly, reminding the tenant of the areas that require special attention, and providing advice on the modification works etc. The departments concerned are also making the necessary preparations, including staff arrangement and procurement of equipment, in tandem with the tenant's commissioning programme. We will continue to maintain close liaison with the tenant in all respects.

Whether or not the terminal has commenced operation, the tenancy agreement requires the tenant to pay around $1.35 million each month with effect from December 2004. From the commercial perspective, we believe the tenant would endeavour to complete the pier modification and other preparation works and launch the cross-boundary ferry services as soon as possible.

Since the commencement of the tenancy agreement, the tenant has not breached any of its terms. The pier modification works is also in progress. We have no plans to re-tender the project at this stage.

By Cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By barca_399 :

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First Ferry's 6.5pc fare rise angers islanders
Lantau group and lawmaker vow action, but transport chief says the company has exhausted all means of cutting a $12 million deficit
17 February 2006
South China Morning Post

Lantau residents and a lawmaker vowed to take action yesterday after learning the transport commissioner is allowing First Ferry to raise its fares by 6.5 per cent.

They expressed anger at the "quiet" decision even though the increase is less than the 9.4 per cent the ferry operator had sought.

But commissioner Alan Wong Chi-kong said the increase was needed because First Ferry had exhausted all other means of cutting its $12 million deficit and would still lose $4 million to $5 million a year.

Travellers on the five routes linking Central and Tsim Sha Tsui to Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Mui Wo will pay an extra 80 cents to $1.20 a trip on normal days and an extra $1 on Sundays and public holidays after the new fares take effect next Tuesday. A monthly pass will cost $452, up from $420.

Lantau Island Residents Association chairman Chu Cheung-hey said the rise was unacceptable.

"Why do they consult us at all if they are going to do it anyway? They made the decision quietly and gave us such short notice. We will put up a rally tomorrow," he said.

Legislator Wong Kwok-hing, who leads a Legislative Council taskforce looking at ferry fares, said he would oppose the decision at the group's next meeting. "The rise, despite being reduced, is still way higher than the inflation rate and salary rises," he said.

"It will not only add to the burden of islanders, but will also strike hard at tourism and [thus] dampen business prospects on the islands."

Mr Wong said it was a big mistake for the government to approve the application before First Ferry had exhausted all means of reducing its deficit.

"They should rely more on other sources of income such as rent and advertisements," he said.

But the commissioner said First Ferry had already cut wages, moved its repair unit to the mainland and was renting its properties to businesses and for ads.

The government had also tried to help by taking over major repair work on the piers at an annual cost of $17 million and by waiving fuel tax for the ferries.

"Over the past five years, [First Ferry] has accumulated a deficit of $12 million despite all the cost-saving measures taken," the commissioner said. "Our greatest concern is to ensure that they can continue to provide services to the islanders, and in an effective way."

He said he had expected strong reaction from the community. But he stressed that more than 60 per cent of the 30,000 affected commuters would pay less than $1 more and First Ferry would continue to lose money amid soaring fuel prices and declining patronage.

First Ferry director John Hui said he did not expect any more significant fare rises in the near future.

The company would apply to introduce more group tickets to provide discounts of up to 20 per cent to visitors in groups.

Four green minibus lines have also been allowed to increase fares, by 20 cents a trip. The applications of 76 others are being considered.

very nice :okay:

Junk-trip business has wind in its sails
19 February 2006
South China Morning Post

For Englishman Garry Smith and his German friend Tobi Doeringer it was one of Hong Kong's key attractions - the sea and islands - that motivated them to establish Saffron Cruises in June last year.

Now the fledgling company boasts a fleet of luxuriously fitted-out junks for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

"I felt that there was a real gap in the market for a professionally organised charter company here in Hong Kong," said Mr Smith.

"Most Hong Kong companies have sold their boats due to high operating costs.

"It now makes more sense for them to use a charter company than to worry about choosing a suitable vessel and staffing and maintaining a corporate junk," Mr Smith says.

"The primary reason for launching Saffron Cruises was our own love of boats and the ocean. Some of the best days I have ever had in Hong Kong have been with friends out on junk-boat adventures.

"Our initial purchase was a luxury 18-metre teak Chinese junk, restored to her original condition as based upon her maiden voyage in 1990," says Mr Smith.

"This boat is one of the largest in Hong Kong, with twin 350-horsepower engines, a cruising speed of over 14 knots and ample space to cater for up to 33 passengers".

Since that maiden voyage, Saffron Cruises has acquired another three boats - a 13-metre junk, ideal for small private parties and even overnight stays in a secluded bay, a 11.5-metre cruiser, and the Wing Sing, one of the last three-mast sailing junks in Hong Kong.

"Assuming management of a unique vessel like the Wing Sing has completed Saffron Cruises' fleet and enables us to cater for almost any type of event and any budget, as well as being able to provide clients with a range of adventures at sea and also be able to visit most of Hong Kong's 300-plus islands," says Mr Smith.

The Saffron Cruises fleet is staffed by Mr Smith and Mr Doeringer, a manager, a fulltime skipper and part-time employees including deckhands, waiters and mechanics.

"The initial start-up costs primarily related to our purchase of the first boat, which was around $5 million," says Mr Smith.

"Other costs were minimised due to the fact that I already operated a number of other businesses here in Hong Kong, so office premises are shared, negating a hefty outlay on separate office premises.

"A very sophisticated IT system, creation and launching of our corporate identity, website design and launch, and e-marketing were the next big expenses totalling around $120,000, but these have also contributed greatly to the success and very positive growth of the company."

Mr Smith says the response to Saffron Cruises had so far been extremely positive, especially the events the company hosts on a regular basis.

"I believe we are the only Hong Kong charter company to host events such as jazz evenings, wine tastings, fireworks nights and even our recent single Valentine's night," he said.

"This has also means that singles, couples or small groups can now avail themselves of a junk trip without the worry of hiring and filling a whole boat with friends or colleagues and at their own personal expense."

Mr Smith says that Saffron Cruises correctly identified and now caters to a previously neglected niche, demanding something more upmarket, with gourmet catering and other catered-for elements.

"Within less that seven months from initial establishment, Saffron Cruises now manages six different vessels that cater to a wide range of needs or requests," says Mr Smith.

"From the traditional party junk, to the romantic sailing junk, to a cruiser that can get you to the Hong Kong's remote island beaches, we have them all.

"With the new relaxed Hong Kong marriage laws, we are also anticipating growing demand for weddings, especially onboard our sailing junk," says Mr Smith.

"Picture it - a ceremony conducted with friends onboard the old teak boat with the famous red sails - and Hong Kong, or one of its many wonderful islands at sunset in the background - could anything be more romantic?"

http://www.saffron-cruises.com

By the way, about the Star Ferry. I still prefer the upper deck even if it cost more than the lower. But the price difference isn't that big.

By cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By Cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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屯門澳門線年中開航
25/02/2006
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【本報訊】經過多番拖延的屯門碼頭工程，現正如火如荼地趕工，香港西北航運快線有限公司預計，屯門至澳門的航線可望今年第二季內正式開航，暫定每半小時開一班船，每日對開三十航班，即合共有六十班船來往港澳兩地。

加快屯門碼頭改建工程
香港西北航運快線公司指出，基於屯門碼頭改建工程有延誤，目前承建商為配合進度，已加緊追趕有關工程，該公司並積極向法國及東南亞等國家洽購高速客運船，預計今年五月首批共六艘高速客運船將運抵本港，屆時開航前置作業將會全面展開，估計第二季結束前將會正式開航。

滅火輪葛量洪號改為展覽館
3月 7日 星期二 11:40 更新
明報

服役四十九年的消防處滅火輪「葛量洪」號將於明年四月改為展覽館，供市民參觀。

康文署表示，「葛量洪」號出現嚴重蝕及老化，在展出前需要整固修復。該滅火輪將於本周五最後一次下水，並會在魚涌公園對開海面，由一艘九百噸起重船吊上岸，進行為期約一年的復修，之後就會永久擺放在魚涌公園中央廣場展覽。

Lamma ferry fares to rise 10pc as fuel increases bite
Wendy Leung
Hong Kong Standard
Saturday, March 11, 2006

Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry has proposed raising its fares to Lamma by more than 10 percent, citing the rising cost of oil, sparking outrage among the island's residents.

Justifying the need for a fare increase, the ferry company's general manager, Nelson Ng, said Friday that since it began the service in 1999, the three routes to the outlying island cumulatively have run up a deficit of HK$23 million.

He said the company has been especially hard hit recently by the nearly threefold rise in oil prices to HK$3.50 a liter, which has pushed the ratio of fuel up from 20 percent of operating costs to 40 percent.

The announcement comes a month after New World Ferry raised the fares for its five outlying islands routes an average 6.5 percent.

Describing the hike as too severe, Democratic Party lawmaker Andrew Cheng, who is on the Legislative Council transport panel, urged the government to extend the mechanism that controls fare adjustments on franchised buses to cover ferries.

Under Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry's proposal -which covers routes sailing from Central to Yung Shue Wan, Central to Sok Kwu Wan, and Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan - weekday fares will rise by HK$2, and range from HK$13 to HK$18. The price of a monthly ticket will also be increased, from HK$495 to HK$540.

Fares for Sundays and public holidays will remain unchanged.

The company said the application will be filed with the Transport Department in the next few weeks for approval. It will then also have to be backed by the Executive Council.

Last year, the company raised fares by an average of more than 6 percent.

Islands District Council chairman Lam Wai-keung said: "I am really disappointed and sorry about this," noting the 10 percent hike is higher than the inflation rate.

He also worried that the fare increase will discourage local tourism to the popular weekend retreat.

「博大霧」走私中飛撞死泳客
肇事者逃入內地 老友記陰陽兩隔
13/03/2006
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沙頭角海面昨晨被春霧迷鎖，發生走私中飛疑「博大霧」撞死游早水男子的慘劇。一對早泳「老友記」在暢泳時，一艘快艇如猛獸般從濃霧「撲出」，其中一人左肩被快艇船頭開，左手鎖骨粉粹，當場慘死，另一人則撞傷膝部，快艇向內地水域逃去，警方正找尋肇事快艇，案件交由水警重案組接手調查。

有沙頭角居民表示，意外現場海面經常有走私活動，晚上更甚，一晚可能出現逾百隻走私艇，發出的嘈音擾人，他希望執法部門關注。

慘被撞死的男子吳玉基 （ 四十九歲 ），為沙頭角村村民，已婚，與妻育有三名子女，游早水習慣已有十多年，每日風雨不改到沙頭角碼頭游水，而一同遇事的泳友邱伯，六十四歲，兩人原為陌路人，但均喜歡在碼頭早泳，在志同道合下結成好友，邱伯稱呼吳為「吳仔」。

相距三公尺老友一死一傷
邱伯形容吳為人健談，是一名好好先生，對於老友死於非命感到十分心痛。他估計：「隻艇開得咁快，梗係走私啦！」

本港昨日受一股潮濕海洋性氣流影響，海面有大霧，昨晨六時許，吳與邱伯如常到沙頭角碼頭游水，吳先下水，邱伯尾隨，由於海面大霧，兩人相距約三公尺互相照應，當暢泳十五分鐘後在離岸三十公尺，邱伯突然聽見右邊傳來外弦機聲響，未幾一艘快艇從霧中高速衝向兩人，快艇激起大浪將邱伯推開，他立即望向吳，惟吳已無反應，邱伯不斷叫喊吳的名字，並上前將他的頭部托起，惟快艇未有停下，附近一名釣魚郎見狀立即報警。

艇上兩漢穿黑衣戴鴨舌帽
邱伯傷心表示，吳的鎖骨被撞至粉碎，左手位置嚴重受傷，傷口深可見骨，其中左手幾乎甩脫，僅少許皮肉相連，海水更被鮮血染紅，他拚命上前將吳的頭部托出水面，見他口吐白沫，已陷入昏迷，期間，曾有一艘內地舢舨停下擬援手，但艇家見吳凶多吉少，故開艇離去。

水警輪接報到場將吳及邱伯救起，邱伯僅膝部受輕傷，敷治後毋須送院，吳則證實不治，屍體稍後被送往水警基地再轉送殮房；據目擊者向警方表示，肇事快艇黑藍色，長三公尺半。艇上有兩名穿黑衣的男子頭戴鴨舌帽。

By cellist from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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By garyfirst from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Hong Kong Ferry profit sinks 25pc
Alman Loong
Hong Kong Standard
Thursday, March 16, 2006

Henderson Investment's Hong Kong Ferry Holdings reported a 25.8 percent drop in net profit to HK$243 million for the year 2005, as property-related earnings fell substantially.

Colin Lam, the company's chairman, blamed the decline on the gradual rise in interest rates over the year causing a decrease in property transactions and on the slight fall in real estate prices.

More than half the company's turnover is property driven, and profits from property development and investment were down 33 percent year-on-year to HK$216 million.

Overall, the company reported a HK$764 million turnover for the year, a 23 percent drop from the previous year.

Despite a significant profit slide, the board of directors recommended a final dividend of 24 HK cents per share, unchanged from a year ago.

The company would not disclose its total property-related operating profits, only saying that HK$192 million of it came from the sale of 350 Metro Harbour View residential units, which were sold for a total of HK$420 million.

The amount is 40 percent less than the company made off sales at the project in 2004.

Looking forward, Lam was optimistic that the property sector would improve because of stabilizing mortgage rates, and was buoyed by what he described as a favorable response from the market for the remaining Metro Harbour View units.

He also expected the Tong Mi Road Development to be ready for sale in the first half of this year.

Lam said the company will explore favorable investment opportunities to make use of its HK$1.04 billion cash on hand as at the end of December.

The company's ferry, shipyard and related operations - which contributed less than a quarter of turnover - continued to run at a loss, leaking HK$12.3 million over the year, compared with a loss of HK$5.06 million the year before.

The rising loss was caused largely by a substantial increase in fuel prices, which cost the operation an additional HK$4.3 million over the year. The third leg of the company, its travel and hotel operations, also dipped into the red last year, losing HK$2.58 million, compared with a profit of HK$1.4 million in 2004.

By "願望之神" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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Hong Kong ferry gets stuck after festival for sailors

HONG KONG, April 19, 2006 (AFP) - A Hong Kong charter ferry ran aground Wednesday as it carried celebrants from a traditional Chinese festival believed to bring good luck to sailors.

The vessel became stuck in sand in shallow waters as it ferried about 90 worshippers of the Taoist sea goddess A-ma from a festival on the outlying Yeung Chau island.

A police spokesman said there had been no injuries and the stranded passengers were taken back to shore by passing vessels and police launches.

He said the ferry captain had veered from his usual course.

A-ma -- also known as Matzu -- is venerated in the spring at temples in fishing villages throughout Asia where the deity is believed to protect sailors from storms and pirates and bless fishermen with bumper catches.