CLP must start thinking outside the box on gas terminal site
CLP Power's Rhonda Lam states that Black Point has an 'apparent operational advantage' over the pristine Soko Islands and its adjoining marine park ('Sokos the best place for new LNG Plant', June 13).
But this was never a starter, as CLP Power knows that its environmental report effectively ruled out Black Point because the company did not consider any alternative marine access to it.
In the letter, Ms Lam says: 'Black Point ... would require marine access through Hong Kong's busy harbour in close proximity to densely populated areas.'
This is highly contentious, as it ignores the alternative vessel routes to Black Point, which are located outside Hong Kong waters.
Massive maritime developments in the Pearl River Delta have resulted in mainland authorities dredging a new waterway at Tonggu, east of Lantau Island, passing almost directly by Black Point.
However, CLP Power said the Tonggu channel would not suit their biggest vessel. Why not look at various vessel configurations, rather than the one that is said to not work?
This rejection by CLP Power has again not allowed for a real study of the viability of the alternatives, as opposed to the destruction of the Soko Islands. The company is also ignoring the fact that this channel will shortly become the backbone of Southern China's logistics and shipping industry.
Can you imagine that the international shipping lines, mainland authorities and investors in the associated infrastructure did not know what they were doing when they built the Tonggu channel? Billions of dollars have been spent on the construction of this waterway.
Normally, one would expect an independent detailed marine assessment to verify a waterway's viability, operational standards, and other maritime issues needed to accommodate all sizes of vessels.
So much is at stake at the Sokos.
However, CLP Power is thinking only about the additional revenue it will get by building at this remote site. Why is it afraid of thinking outside the box and making use of obvious maritime infrastructure?
D. Fong, Central
