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The Marine Department (MD) will implement the Electronic Business System Phase 2 (eBS2) next Monday (April 28) to simplify and speed up the submission and processing of port formalities anytime anywhere, without incurring additional charges to shipping agents and companies.
A spokesman for the MD said today (April 25), "To maintain Hong Kong's position as a world-class port and an international maritime centre, the MD launched the eBS in December 2003. The system will be enhanced in Phase 2 to provide many new features such as online approval of application, self printing of permit / certificate, autopay, and online application status enquiry.
"It also covers formalities required by the Immigration Department and Department of Health," the spokesman added.
A series of briefing sessions were held in March and April 2008 to introduce and promote the use of the eBS2 among the shipping community. Around 350 representatives from the industry have attended the briefing and shown interest in the electronic means to handle port formalities round-the-clock.
Details of the eBS2 will be available at webpage on Monday, http://ebs.mardep.gov.hk. Ship owners, ship agents or ship masters are most welcome to register as a user of the eBS2 by completing the registration form downloaded from the webpage and returning it with supporting documents.
Ends/Friday, April 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:26
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