Page 27 - ar2013

In the past year, we undertook numerous
operational enhancements, such as
implementing remote control operations
for 29 rubber-tyred gantry cranes
(“RTGCs”), heightening quay cranes in
HIT, and using more electric and liquefed
natural gas powered forklifts at YICT.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO
STRENGTHEN HONG KONG PORT'S
COMPETITIVENESS IN THE REGION
In addition to improving our existing
facilities, we are actively developing
new ways of illuminating synergies
among our assets, such as entering into
a strategic partnership with COSCO
Pacifc and CSTD at ACT to strengthen
Hong Kong Port's competitiveness in
the region and bolster all aspects of port
operations including fexibility, effciencies,
synergies, and proftability. We also
continue expanding our complementary
transport and logistics services, to offer
our customers seamless supply
chain solutions.
On the horizon for the Trust
In the year ahead, we expect that the
paradigm shift in the industry will continue.
However, neither change nor competition
The global economy is on the
road to recovery
Though the global economic outlook
remained uncertain at the beginning
of 2013, the second half of the year
showed some signs of improvement.
Both the US and Eurozone economies
displayed signs of nascent recovery and
mild expansion towards the end of 2013.
China’s economy is also expected to
remain favourable, with pledges by the
government to maintain policy stability
and foster steady growth.
Our customers are responding to the
winds of change. Leading liners, under
pressure to control costs and boost
effciency, continue to form carrier
alliances. The trend is to deploy more
mega-vessels to promote economies of
scale, and strengthen competitiveness
by expanding the coverage of vessel-
sharing schemes. With the mega-vessel
handling capabilities of our ports, we
are well-positioned to cater for these
developments and changes.
Setting the standard in
operational excellence
During the past year, our port assets
processed a combined throughput of
22.8 million TEU. Despite a slight 1%
dip from the year before, the data
refects a steady long-term uptrend in
the combined throughput across both
Hong Kong and the PRC.
Throughput for our Hong Kong ports
registered a 2.3% decrease to 12.0
million TEU on the back of weaker
transshipment, US and EU cargoes.
YICT, on the other hand, witnessed a
record high throughput, rising 1.2% to
10.8 million TEU, thanks to the growth in
laden export and transshipment cargoes.
Our deep-water terminals continue
to boast some of the most cutting-
edge technology and state-of-the-art
infrastructure in the region. With foresight
and fnancial fexibility, we have been able
to implement strategic investments, and
equipment upgrades and maintenance.
is new to us. Even as economic forces
continue to evolve, we stand ready to
respond swiftly by building upon our
fundamental strengths. We are also
putting in additional effort to exemplify our
role as a responsible corporate citizen.
We will remain committed to investing in
our people and our communities.
We want to extend our gratitude to
our loyal partners especially in these
tough times. We also want to thank our
employees, other stakeholders, and you,
our unitholders, for your support as we
remain focused on sustainably growing
the business over the long run.
FOK Kin Ning, Canning
Chairman
We are actively developing new
ways of illuminating synergies among
our assets, such as entering into a
strategic partnership with COSCO
PACIFIC AND CSTD AT ACT TO STRENGTHEN
Hong Kong Port's competitiveness in
the region and bolster all aspects of
port operations including flexibility,
efficiencies, synergies, and profitability.
Annual Report 2013 25