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The Government today (May 8) signed a design and build contract with Dragages Hong Kong Limited for the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building, marking an important step in the development of the new cruise terminal project.
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, witnessed the signing of the contract by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Mak Chai-kwong, and the Managing Director of Dragages Hong Kong Limited, Mr Nicolas Borit.
Other witnessing guests included the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau; the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Miss Yvonne Choi; the Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Philip Yung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Marigold Lau; Deputy CEO of Bouygues Batiment International, Mr Benoit de Ruffray; Senior Executive and Head of Design of Foster + Partners, Mr David Nelson; and Group Chairman of Wong Tung & Partners Limited, Mr Edward Ho.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong possessed all the significant attributes to develop into a major cruise hub in the region, and it was well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the Asia Pacific cruise market.
ˇ§The signing of the contract will propel the works of the cruise terminal building ahead at full steam. The building will be completed in 2013 ˇV a year ahead of our original schedule ˇV to provide world-class services to cruise passengers.ˇ¨
ˇ§It will also provide another landmark to grace our spectacular harbour and welcome visitors from around the globe,ˇ¨ Mr Tsang added.
The new cruise terminal building will meet the technical requirements for a highly functional facility that will allow the operator to provide world-class services. An optimised structural design concept will be adopted to create more space inside for more effective handling of passenger flow. To adhere to the highest level of environmental sustainability, the building will make full use of natural lighting and ventilation, as well as a number of energy saving devices. It will also be well equipped with supporting facilities to accommodate the berthing of two mega cruise vessels concurrently, and will provide flexibility for conversion of the cruise terminal operation area into other uses during the non-peak season to maximise its usage. The building will provide an ancillary commercial area of about 5 600 square metres, and a landscaped deck with open space and greeneries for public enjoyment.
The Government is developing the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal through two works contracts. The first one is the site formation works contract, which involves the construction of berthing facilities. The second contract is for the design and build of the cruise terminal building.
The site formation works for the cruise terminal started last year. The first berth will be commissioned in mid 2013 and will be capable of accommodating the worldˇ¦s largest cruise vessels. The second berth will commence operation in 2014 for berthing medium-sized cruise vessels. After relocation of submarine gas mains by the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, dredging works at the seabed will be carried out. On completion, the berthing capacity of the second berth will be enhanced to accommodate the worldˇ¦s largest cruise vessels in 2015.
Ends/Saturday, May 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:33
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