[Hong Kong - 21 November 2001] Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has taken delivery of eight new Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGCs). The eight cranes are part of a total order of 16 RTGCs, the remainder to arrive in mid-December.

Commenting on the delivery of the new cranes, Eric Ip, Managing Director of HIT said, "The new RTGCs will increase our terminal productivity, while giving us the capacity to handle future increases in container traffic."

He added, "HIT is committed to serving our customers with the highest levels of service excellence. Our ongoing investment in modern container handling equipment enables us to serve our customers with the highest levels of efficiency and productivity."

The new cranes, manufactured by ZPMC in Shanghai, are capable of stacking containers one over six high and are equipped with the latest in automation and safety technology. Each crane uses advanced features including Global Positioning Systems, Position Determination Systems, gantry jack up mechanisms, and four gantry motors versus two with conventional models.

HIT's in-house developed Anti-truck Lifting System (ATLS) will be installed on each crane as an additional safety and performance feature. The ATLS uses a laser based detection system to ensure containers are lifted safely and smoothly from the truck chassis. The new machines are fitted with AC drive supplied by Fuji Electric, and are powered by Cummins diesel engines.

This latest order of 16 machines will increase yard stacking capacity at HIT to over 76,000 TEU.

Notes to Editors:

Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) is the largest container terminal operator in Hong Kong. HIT's operation accounts for over 50 percent of the throughput at the Kwai Chung Container Port. The Company has consistently won industry awards for its efficiency and high service standards and is at the forefront of new technology and innovation.

HIT is a member of Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), the world's leading port investor, developer and operator with interests in 15 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Today, HPH operates a total of 29 ports together with a number of transportation related service companies.

HIT Takes Delivery of New RTGCs