Remarks by STL at media session
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at a media session following the maiden voyage ceremony for the southbound travel of yachts from Guangdong today (October 16):
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan. Photo source: reference image
Reporter: Given that there are only 150 berths at five anchorages, are you worried about running out of space during peak seasons? Under what circumstances will the Government consider capping daily visits and setting up more berth spots in the future?
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: Having regard to the potential demand and the existing supply of mooring facilities in Hong Kong, we consider that there are adequate facilities for the mooring and docking of Mainland yachts to Hong Kong. At the present moment, we have allowed these Mainland yachts to dock or moor at five designated mooring anchorage areas, in addition to the existing mooring facilities in yacht clubs. We consider that this could meet the demand. Coupled with the real-time dynamic monitoring system, the Marine Department can communicate with the Mainland yacht captains so as to facilitate their travel in Hong Kong waters.
We are also planning ahead. The Airport Authority Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government are planning for the development of four major new yacht parking facilities in different parts of Hong Kong, including the Airport island, Aberdeen, Lamma Island, and Hung Hom waterfront. We are working steadfastly on that. The Airport Authority Hong Kong is actually moving fast in inviting expressions of interest for the Yacht Bay on the Airport island. We expect they will invite tenders next year.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
The southbound travel of yachts from Guangdong. Photo source: CCTV
Latest updates on passenger traffic at Huanggang Port
The Security Bureau (SB) today (October 18) said that outbound passenger flow at the Huanggang Port had increased significantly since around 11am this morning. Around 19 000 passengers departed for the Mainland via the Huanggang Port between 12 noon and 2pm, representing an increase of 835 per cent (over eight times) compared with the same period in the past at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point. During the peak hour between 1pm and 2pm, as many as 9 728 outbound passenger trips were recorded within one hour, representing an increase of 899 per cent (nearly nine times) compared with the same period in the past at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
In view of this, the Immigration Department (ImmD) immediately opened all clearance channels and counters at the departure hall on L5 to expedite passenger flow, and implemented crowd diversion and control measures on L2 and L5 in collaboration with the Police. For passengers entering the Huanggang Port during the peak hours mentioned above, the waiting time for crowd diversion arrangements on L2 was about 30 to 45 minutes, while the waiting time inside the departure hall on L5 was maintained within 30 minutes.
The ImmD has disseminated the latest waiting time information via the "Easy Boundary" platform, and advised members of the public and travellers to plan their journeys in advance and consider using other boundary control points for departure.
The outbound peak gradually subsided from around 2pm today. Crowd diversion and control measures on L2 were lifted at 2.10pm, and the waiting time at the departure hall on L5 had dropped to under 15 minutes by 2.40pm.
In fact, relevant departments had already assessed the potential surge in passenger flow during peak hours and formulated plans for diversion, queue management and inter-departmental co-ordination during an earlier large-scale drill at the Huanggang Port involving around 20 000 participants. Faced with this sudden surge in passengers, the various contingency plans were activated promptly and overall operations remained generally smooth.
The SB will continue to work with the ImmD, the Police and other relevant departments to closely monitor the situation at the port and passenger flow. Timely reviews will be conducted and corresponding contingency measures will be adopted in light of actual circumstances to ensure the smooth operation of clearance arrangements and public services.
Latest updates on passenger traffic at Huanggang Port Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Latest updates on passenger traffic at Huanggang Port Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
