​Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the official opening of the Huanggang Port this afternoon (October 9):

Reporter: How many travellers and vehicles does the Government expect to use the port on the first day of its opening? And what will be done to ensure that there will be a smooth opening amid the expected flock of visitors? 

Secretary for Security: Thank you for your questions. First of all, I think we have to look at the number of passengers and vehicles at the current port. For the current number of passengers, we have a daily average of about 40 000 and we have 65 000 at the highest, while the new port has the capacity to handle 200 000 passengers. On the first day, we already have that capacity. Regarding vehicles, we have an average of about 9 000 cars per day, and at the highest, we have about 12 000 cars. But now we have the capacity to handle up to 15 000 vehicles. That capacity will be utilised on the first day, so we have full confidence that we can handle the number of passengers and vehicles. 

     Regarding how to ensure there is a smooth operation of the port area, in fact, before its opening, we have done a lot of preparatory measures, including a lot of drills and exercises. We also have a stress test with up to 20 000 people per hour, which is about two or three times the maximum passenger flow currently we have. We will have maximum manpower on that day to handle unexpected numbers of passengers. We also have a robust system in handling passengers, public transport vehicles and private cars.

     In fact, in the opening time, we also engage a lot of ambassadors that we call "port ambassadors", who are familiar with the operation of the port area, to assist members of the public in using the facilities. So, we have full confidence in the smooth operation of the new port.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Ends/Friday, October 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:06

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