Hong Kong Financial Secretary John C. Tsang speaks at the signing ceremony of the design and build contract of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building and ancillary facilities.

On May 8, the Hong Kong government signed a design-and-build contract with Dragages Hong Kong for the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building, marking an important step in the development of this project.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary John C. Tsang witnessed the signing of the contract by Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Mak Chai-kwong and Dragages Managing Director Nicolas Borit.

Hong Kong possesses all the significant attributes to develop into a major cruise hub in the region and is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the Asia Pacific cruise market, Mr. Tsang said at the signing ceremony.

“The signing of the contract will propel the works of the cruise terminal building ahead at full steam. The building will be completed in 2013 — a year ahead of our original schedule — to provide world-class services to cruise passengers,” the Financial Secretary said. “It will also provide another landmark to grace our spectacular harbor and welcome visitors from around the globe.”

The new cruise terminal building will meet the technical requirements for a highly functional facility that will allow the operator to provide world-class services. An optimized structural design concept will be adopted to create more space inside for more effective handling of passenger flow. To adhere to the highest level of environmental sustainability, the building will make full use of natural lighting and ventilation, as well as a number of energy-saving devices. It will also be well-equipped with supporting facilities to accommodate the berthing of two mega cruise vessels concurrently, and will provide flexibility for conversion of the cruise terminal operation area into other uses during the non-peak season to maximize its usage. The building will provide an ancillary commercial area of approximately 1.38 acres and a landscaped deck with open space and greenery.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is developing the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal through two works contracts. The first one is the site-formation works contract, which involves the construction of berthing facilities. The second contract is for the design and build of the cruise terminal building.

The site formation works for the cruise terminal began in 2009. The first berth will be commissioned in mid-2013 and will be capable of accommodating the world’s largest cruise vessels. The second berth will commence operation in 2014 for berthing medium-sized cruise vessels. After relocation of submarine gas mains by Hong Kong and China Gas, dredging works at the seabed will be carried out. On completion, the berthing capacity of the second berth will be enhanced to accommodate the world’s largest cruise vessels in 2015.