Hong Kong is to step up port and ship security following an international maritime agreement reached over tightened measures against possible terrorist attacks at sea, the head of the Marine Department says.
The government is likely to form a taskforce to co-ordinate various departments, security forces and private port operators to assess risks, approve security plans and work together in times of emergency.
The move is seen as crucial to maintaining Hong Kong's status as a global shipping hub, although the risk of terrorist attacks is considered low by officials.
It follows a warning from the United States to its allies that the al-Qaeda terrorist network controlled at least 15 cargo vessels which were carrying dangerous substances. It is proving difficult to track these ships down.
The International Maritime Organisation, which oversees global shipping issues, has announced a set of measures that its members must take to guard against terrorist attacks. They must assess the risks at their port facilities and then draft, scrutinise and approve security plans for ports and ships. They were also asked to deploy sufficient qualified security officers to enforce the plans.
Hong Kong, which has more than 200,000 vessels using its port facilities each year, will have to meet the requirements before the deadline in July next year.