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The Government today (July 9) published in the Government Gazette a tender notice for the tenancy of Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal for operating cross-boundary passenger ferry services.
A Marine Department spokesman said that as the existing tenancy agreement of the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal would end in December 2010, the Government decided to invite tenders for operating the terminal for seven years.
The new tenancy agreement will include the following major elements:
(a) The Government will provide necessary services to support the operation, such as immigration, customs, police, marine control and port health;
(b) The successful tenderer will be responsible for the following:
(i) A monthly rent to the Government giving rise to an annual rental income of not less than $27.9 million;
(ii) Replacement and reinstatement of the non-recurrent items such as systems, equipment and furniture required for the operation of the government departments concerned;
(iii) Utilities costs for the operation of the terminal; and
(iv) Maintenance and general management of the terminal;
(c) The successful tenderer must operate a minimum 14 round trips between Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Macau every week and, at his option, services to Mainland cities in the Pearl River Delta;
(d) The successful tenderer must commence the services within three months from the commencement of the tenancy agreement; and
(e) Subject to the availability of space and the Government's prior approval, the successful tenderer may sub-let terminal premises designated by the Government, berthing slots, advertising and shopping space (if any) and baggage-handling services (if any), and may keep the fees from such sub-letting. Revenue arising from duty-free shops, if any, will be shared between the successful tenderer and the Government.
"We intend to sign a tenancy agreement with the successful tenderer before the end of 2010," the spokesman said.
"If all preparatory work is completed smoothly, the terminal under the new tenancy agreement can start operation in early 2011."
The tender documents are available at the counter in Room 2121, Marine Department Headquarters, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Hong Kong. The deadline for submitting the tender is noon on August 20, 2010 (Friday). Enquiries can be made at 2547 4026 or faxed to 2559 4976.
Ends/Friday, July 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:03
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