[2 June 2008 - Hong Kong] Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) is deploying 17 electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (eRTGC) today, the first phase of a HK$140 million crane-electrification programme that will reduce emissions at Kwai Tsing Container Port. HIT is the first terminal operator in Hong Kong to deploy eRTGCs, the project is part of a wider range of initiatives that HIT has launched in recent years to help protect the environment.

To celebrate the green efforts, HIT has organised a Green HIT ceremony in the container yard, attended by Guest of Honour Mr. Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, who jointly officiated the event with Mr. Eric Ip, Managing Director of HIT. Over 100 guests attended the ceremony, including government officials, District Council members and China Light and Power representatives.

At the Green HIT ceremony, Mr. Yau said, "HIT's efforts to improve the environment are commendable. This has set the benchmark for the industry and helps raise the level of awareness on protecting the environment."

Commenting on HIT's green initiatives, Mr. Ip said, "HIT is mindful of the need to protect the environment and is actively identifying viable options to "reduce, reuse and recycle" in its operations and we have therefore gone beyond the statutory requirements with the implementation of a number of green initiatives to reduce emissions."

From left to right: Mr. Simon Wong, General Manager - Engineering, HIT, Mr. Eddy Ma, General Manager - Operations, HIT, Mr. Ivor Chow, Finance Director, HIT, Mr. Eric Ip, Managing Director of HIT, Mr. Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Tang Kwok-kong, MH, Chairman, Kwai Tsing District Council, Mr. Allan Chow, District Officer, Kwai Tsing District Office, Mr. Chow Tang Fai, Director, Marketing and Customer Services, CLP Power Hong Kong; and Mr. Simon Wong, Principal, CCC Chuen Yuen College, officiate the launch of the electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes at the Green HIT Ceremony and show the support to protect the environment

From left to right: Mr. Simon Wong, General Manager - Engineering, HIT, Mr. Eddy Ma, General Manager - Operations, HIT, Mr. Ivor Chow, Finance Director, HIT, Mr. Eric Ip, Managing Director of HIT, Mr. Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Tang Kwok-kong, MH, Chairman, Kwai Tsing District Council, Mr. Allan Chow, District Officer, Kwai Tsing District Office, Mr. Chow Tang Fai, Director, Marketing and Customer Services, CLP Power Hong Kong; and Mr. Simon Wong, Principal, CCC Chuen Yuen College, officiate the launch of the electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes at the Green HIT Ceremony and show the support to protect the environment

Mr. Edward Yau (left), Secretary for the Environment pictured with Mr. Eric Ip, Managing Director

Notes to Editors:

Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) is the largest container terminal operator in Hong Kong. With a strong emphasis on productivity and efficiency, HIT is committed to the creation and implementation of forward-looking, service-enhancing technology.

HIT is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group. HPH, a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL), is the world's leading port investor, developer and operator with interests in a total of 47 ports, spanning 24 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. HPH also owns a number of transportation-related service companies.

Additional Information:

HIT has been progressively implementing environmentally friendly initiatives since the 1990s.

In order to reduce emissions from diesel-powered RTGCs, HIT undertook studies on the applicability of electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes. It then conducted pilot programmes in 2005 as the precursor to its crane-electrification programme. This eRTGC programme will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and cut substantial energy use.

To maintain operational flexibility, HIT has also launched hybrid RTGCs which combine battery power with ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) engines. These cranes "recycle" energy when the main hoist is lowered and emit less smoke.

HIT is the first terminal operator in Hong Kong to use ULSD in place of industrial diesel oil, which produces a much greater amount of pollutants. As a result, HIT has been able to further reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This fuel conversion has been carried out in advance of government regulation.

HIT has also installed energy-saving, waste-reduction and pollution-reducing equipment in its administration buildings.

HIT is at the forefront of Hong Kong's port industry when it comes to the implementation of environmentally friendly initiatives, and actively seeks to apply these initiatives to its facilities at Terminals 4, 6, 7 and 9.

As a member of Hong Kong's Business Environmental Council and a signatory of the 2006 Clean Air Charter, HIT will continue to identify solutions to help protect the environment.