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The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Typhoon Shelters) Regulation (Amendment of Schedule) Notice 2010, which seeks to relax the length limit for local vessels using the Hei Ling Chau Typhoon Shelter, was gazetted today (May 20).
There are 14 typhoon shelters operated by the Marine Department. Currently, a local vessel with length overall exceeding 50 metres is not permitted to enter or remain in any typhoon shelter.
The Notice gazetted today amends the Schedule to the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Typhoon Shelters) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. E) so that local vessels with length overall exceeding 50 metres but not more than 75 metres will also be allowed to enter and remain in the Hei Ling Chau Typhoon Shelter.
A Marine Department spokesman said, "The Government has received requests from some local vessel traders to relax the length limit for vessels using typhoon shelters. We have reviewed the matter and concluded that the Hei Ling Chau Typhoon Shelter could be used to accommodate also local vessels with length overall exceeding 50 metres but not more than 75 metres,"
"We have taken into account the historical usage patterns, occupancy rates, site conditions and layouts of the mooring areas of all typhoon shelters, and allowed for future growth in demand."
The Notice will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 26 for negative vetting, and is to take effect on July 24, 2010.
Ends/Thursday, May 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:01
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