HK01 News: New berthing facilities are more than welcome

OCTOBER 25, 2024

Click here to read the full news article

<excerpt below>

“The Policy Address 2024 proposes to promote yacht tourism and explore the construction of yacht berthing facilities in Hung Hom, Lamma Island and Aberdeen. The Airport Authority is also planning to expand the "Airport City" by more than double, and it is expected to provide about 600 yacht berths. The Hong Kong Yachting Industry Association and the Lantau Yacht Club expressed support for this, saying that there are nearly 13,000 recreational vessels in Hong Kong, but there are only about 4,000 public and private berths, which is a serious shortage of berths. It is also difficult for foreign vessels to make reservations in Hong Kong. The industry also suggested that the government set up an inter-departmental committee to coordinate the development of the yacht industry and reduce administrative procedures.

Yacht Industry Association: New berths are expected to benefit small and medium-sized vessels

Chairman of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, Chow Kaylun, said that there is a bridge near the berths of the Airport City with height restrictions, so large yachts cannot enter. It is estimated that only medium and small pleasure boats can berth. As for the Policy Address's earlier proposal to explore the construction of yacht berthing facilities at the former Lamma Quarry, the expanded part of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, and the seaside land of Hung Hom Station, Chow Kaylun said that there are restaurants near the three locations, with complete supporting facilities and very convenient. However, the water depth of Lamma Island is relatively shallow, which is only suitable for small and medium-sized ships. The waves in the Hung Hom area are relatively large, and it is close to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. I believe that the government needs to carefully study the feasibility of building berths.”

…

MA Director, Mr. Chow, at the International Boat Show 2024