香港獨有、正面臨挑戰的中流作業

Mid-stream operation (English: Mid-stream operation) is a unique container handling method in Hong Kong's port. Simply put, large vessels (ocean-going container ships) do not need to berth at container terminals; instead, they anchor directly in Victoria Harbour's anchorage, at buoys, or in designated waters, and perform container loading/unloading alongside the ship (ship-side). Specific Operational Process Mother Vessel: Large ocean-going container ships anchor at mid-stream locations in Hong Kong's port (e.g., anchorages in Victoria Harbour or government buoys). Barge (Barge / Dumb Steel Lighter): Mid-stream operators dispatch barges equipped with derricks (commonly known as "横雞躉" or steel barges) to moor alongside both sides of the mother vessel. Ship-Side Operation: The barge uses its own derrick to lift containers directly from (or place them onto) the mother vessel, allowing simultaneous operations on both sides for greatly improved efficiency (unlike terminals, which can only operate on one side). Transshipment: Loaded containers are transported by barge to nearby public cargo working areas, private terminals, river terminals, or directly to river vessels (to the Pearl River Delta), then connected to land via container trucks; the reverse applies for exports (from land via barge to the ship). Why is Mid-Stream Operation Particularly Popular in Hong Kong? Historical Reasons: It began developing in the 1960s when Kwai Chung container terminals were not yet fully built, making mid-stream the primary method. Cost Advantages: Avoids expensive terminal berth fees, tug fees, etc., suitable for small/medium shipping companies or river transshipment cargo. Flexibility: Handles large volumes of river cargo (Pearl River Delta transshipped via Hong Kong to the world), or diverts when terminals are congested. Advantages and Challenges Advantages: Lower costs, high efficiency (dual-side operations), supports river-ocean connectivity, reduces terminal pressure. Challenges: Greatly affected by weather (waves cause barge swaying), higher safety risks (requires careful lifting), cargo volume pressured in recent years due to the rise of ports like Shenzhen, but Hong Kong still maintains this unique mode. If you like this video, welcome to subscribe and share!