The Government today proposed to amend the laws to relax the air draft restriction at Tsing Ma Bridge from 53 metres to 57m above sea level.

The Transport & Housing Bureau explained that the proposed amendment aims to provide a new, clear and lucid standard for the shipping trade, with a view to facilitating the shipping trade operation and maintaining the competitiveness of the Hong Kong Port while upholding the bridge’s integrity and ship navigation safety.

It said the proposed revision would facilitate the access of mega vessels, in particular ocean-going container vessels, to the Hong Kong Port.

The bureau emphasised that in addition to incentivising more shipping liners to use the Hong Kong Port, the move would also help to generate demand for port-related and ancillary maritime services, which is conducive to enhancing the status of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre and a transshipment hub in the Pearl River Delta region.

The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board have been consulted and members supported the legislative proposal, the bureau added.

The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 9 for negative vetting.