HONG KONG remained ahead of Singapore as the busiest container port in January with a 42 per cent year-on-year increase in throughput.
According to figures released by the Marine Department yesterday, Hong Kong handled 857,372 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in January, up from 603,350 TEUs in January 1992.
By comparison, Singapore, which is generally viewed as a fierce competitor, handled 714,000 TEUs in January.
Deputy Marine Director Ian Dale said one month was not a realistic base for forecasting annual growth but added the data was encouraging.
The 42 per cent growth was achieved despite fewer working days in January because of the Lunar New Year holidays.
Apart from the seasonal factor, Mr Dale attributed the growth to the commissioning of two berths at Container Terminal 8 (CT8) and the large increase in river trade.
