Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal to be repossessed by the Government
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     The Marine Department received formal notification from Hong Kong North West Express Limited (HKNWE) today (September 6) that the company would terminate the tenancy agreement for the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and return the terminal to the Government with effect from September 10, 2012. The company's cross boundary ferry services between Tuen Mun and Macao will cease formally.

     The Marine Department is liaising with HKNWE on the details and the Department of Justice on the relevant legal procedures, with a view to ensuring that HKNWE will return the terminal to the Government smoothly, orderly and as soon as possible. The Marine Department and the Labour Department will provide assistance to the employees affected. The Marine Department will keep in close touch with the Macao Maritime Administration and monitor future developments.

     The Marine Department said that since HKNWE's termination of service on July 1, 2012, cross boundary ferry services between Hong Kong and Macao have not been severely affected. The China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui and the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan have sufficient capacity to cope with the need of passengers. The public can continue to use these two terminals for ferry services between Hong Kong and Macao.

Ends/Thursday, September 6, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:57

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