The Marine Department is inviting tenders to operate cross-boundary ferry services from Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal for seven years. The existing tenancy will end in December.

The Government will provide immigration, customs, police, marine control and port health services to support the operation.

The tenderer is responsible for:

* a monthly rent to the Government giving rise to an annual rental income of not less than $27.9 million;

* replacement and reinstatement of non-recurrent items;

* utilities costs for operating the terminal; and,

* the terminal's maintenance and general management.

The successful tenderer must provide services within three months, run at least 14 round trips between the terminal and Macau every week and provide services to other cities in the Pearl River Delta.

The tenancy agreement will be signed by year's-end so operations can start early next year.

Tender documents are available at the counter in Room 2121, Marine Department Headquarters, Harbour Building. Tenders must be submitted by August 20. Call 2547 4026 or fax to 2559 4976 for questions.