10-Sep-2001

[10 September 2001 – Hong Kong] Hutchison Delta Ports (HDP) will invest in the expansion of container handling facilities at Haicang Port in Xiamen, China. Mr. James S. Tsien, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports China, signed two official agreements for the expansion of Berth No.4 and the construction of Berth No.1 on 9th September 2001 during the 5th Chinese International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen.

HDP will continue to increase investment to develop Berth No.4 for expanding the existing operation at Xiamen International Container Terminals (XICT). Additional quay length of 140 metres has been constructed and is already operational, while the construction of 78,000 square metres of container yard is scheduled for completion by the end of 2001. After merging with the existing Berth No.2 and No.3, XICT will comprise a total quay length of 640 metres and a container yard area of 478,000 square metres.

Meanwhile, the design and construction of Berth No.1 will commence shortly. Berth No.1 will be located at the east end of the existing Berth No.2 and will comprise a container yard area of 400,000 square metres, a quay length of 448 metres and a water depth of -17.5 metres. XICT is located at Haicang Port, a deepwater port with excellent geographical conditions. Upon completion of the expansion and development project, XICT will be able to accommodate 6th-generation vessels.

Mr. Alfred Leung, General Manager of HDP, commented, “Import and export trade volumes will grow tremendously with China’s entry to the WTO. XICT looks forward to playing a key role in facilitating the growth of future cargo volumes. As Haicang Port is located in the largest Taiwanese investment zone on the Mainland, we are confident that XICT will continue to attract more international shipping lines and benefit from China’s entry to the WTO.”