>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Concerted efforts to implement new maritime security requirements The Marine Department has been working closely with other relevant government departments and the port and shipping communities to implement the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Hong Kong since the appointment as the Designated Authority early last year, the Director of Marine Mr SY Tsui said today (April 2). Mr Tsui made the remark at a presentation ceremony at which the first two batches of port facilities in Hong Kong received their Statement of Compliance certifying their fulfilment of the new security requirements adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). He said following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the IMO had developed a new security regime, enshrined in the ISPS Code, applicable to ships and port facilities. The code would enter into force on July 1, 2004, he added. The primary objective of the ISPS Code, Mr Tsui said, was to establish an international framework involving cooperation between contracting governments, government agencies and the shipping and port industries to detect and assess security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships engaged in international voyages and port facilities serving these ships. "To meet the new requirements of the ISPS Code, a port facility serving ships engaged in international voyages is required to conduct a security assessment and develop a security plan." In Hong Kong, we have a total of 31 port facilities that are required to comply with the ISPS Code. All of them have had their security assessments completed and endorsed, and their security plans are being developed. "To date, draft security plans for 23 facilities have been submitted and are being evaluated." "Today we celebrate the completion of this task for Hongkong International Terminals Limited and Modern Terminals Limited and expect the remainder will be completed by the end of this month," he said. Mr Tsui said the department aimed to provide the IMO with a list of compliant port facilities in May and issue the maritime security level for June 1 - a month ahead of the implementation date. He said the Marine Department, as the Designated Authority, took into account the impact on the trade as well as port efficiency and competitiveness in taking steps towards the implementation of the ISPS Code. "Towards this end, we will continue to work closely with all parties concerned, in particular, the trade to ensure Hong Kong will continue to be one of the most efficient, safe and secured ports in the world." Mr Tsui expressed his appreciation and congratulations to Modern Terminals Limited and the Hongkong International Terminals Limited for their efforts and contribution towards that objective. Ends/Friday, April 2, 2004
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