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Following is a speech by Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the opening ceremony of the World Ports Summit 2008, Hong Kong, today (March 11) (English only):
Roger, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to be here today to officiate at the opening of the World Ports Summit 2008. My warmest welcome to all of you especially representatives from the nine port authorities as well as industry representatives from around the world.
With over 80% of world trade tonnage carried by sea, the shipping industry and the port form the backbone of world trade. Ports worldwide have grown in tandem with the increasing volume of cargo shipped globally. In 2006, ports worldwide in total handled 440 million TEUs. Hong Kong is a key player as our shipping services cover 500 destinations worldwide including a network of over 360 container ports.
In response to the ever increasing sea freight volume and improvement in navigational technology, port authorities have strived to expand their handling capacity and enhance efficiency to minimise turn-around time. Being one of the busiest ports in the world, the efficiency of our terminals in Hong Kong is proud to achieve a record of 40 crane movements per hour. The world's largest container vessel can achieve an average turnaround time in about 14 hours in Hong Kong. Port clearance in Hong Kong can soon be done in a split second through highly efficient electronic means with the implementation of the Electronic Port Clearance Programme in April. This new measure will allow port clearance papers to be submitted by electronic applications through the internet.
Challenges to port operations
While efficiency remains the ultimate goal of port operators and authorities, the global shipping and maritime community is also working continuously to enhance safety, security and environmental standards. Many however see that efficiency or, ultimately, competitiveness and cost, may suffer with more stringent safety, security and environmental requirements. These seemingly competing goals and the global nature of shipping and port operation clearly point to the need for experience sharing and consensus building among port authorities and industry players in order to achieve safer and greener ports in a cost-effective way.
Port safety and security
While there can be no dispute on the importance of port safety and security, views do diverge on the measures to achieve these objectives. Many of us here today have gone through the challenges posed by the implementation of the International Ships and Port Facilities Security Code (ISPS Code). Hong Kong was among the first ports to implement the code. This has not been easy with the resources, time and the cost implications along the supply chain. We have been able, through partnership with our port operators and the shipping community, to successfully implement the ISPS code without compromising on efficiency.
We understand that security is an on-going concern, and a most valid one, in many parts of the world. Recently the US Congress passed an act that stipulates 100% scanning of all container cargo by 2012. This has rekindled discussion on the quest for balance between security and efficiency. To understand the technical viability and the impact of the requirement on port operation better, Hong Kong joined some other ports in undertaking a pilot scheme on container scanning. The Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association will share their hands-on experience later today. Through such exchanges, we believe participants at this summit should have a better grasp of the implications of this scanning requirement on the global supply chain.
Environmental standards
Rising environmental standards for port and shipping operations pose another equally important challenge. Shipping is generally regarded as the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation. That said, there is always room for improvement. Cleaner fuel, stricter environmental rules on ship operation and shore power supply are some among the many proposals to reduce pollution from ships and at ports. The common question faced by port authorities is: How to raise the environmental standards without compromising on competitiveness? We believe that technology, consensus building on common standards and a generally accepted pace of implementation would provide a fair part of the total solution. The summit has aptly put such issues on its agenda.
The International Maritime Organisation has laid the common ground for many port authorities to green their ports. Hong Kong has also put in place the necessary local legislation to implement MARPOL Annex VI requirements. The summit today offers another important forum for us to explore win-win solutions to make our ports green while remaining a viable business. In fact I think this is the title of Dr Fu's speech later today.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a very full programme and a lot of careful thought has gone into the planning. I congratulate the Marine Department on organising the summit and wish you all a very fruitful conference and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 10:55
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