[Hong Kong - 22 July 2003] - Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) is pleased to announce the official launch of Container Terminal Nine (CT9), Hong Kong's newest container handling facility, located on the southeastern shoreline of Tsing Yi.

HIT has been working around the clock preparing the first berth of CT9 for operations, which began earlier this month. Once completed in 2005, CT9 North will provide HIT with two berths with a total quay length of 700 metres. The alongside depth of 15.5 metres is designed to accommodate the next generation of container vessels.

To meet the future needs of its shipping line customers, HIT has installed the latest in container handling equipment. With five quay cranes already in place, HIT will operate a total of nine quay cranes at CT9 North. HIT will also deploy 32 Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes in the CT9 terminal yard to support the quayside vessel operations.

Guest of honour, Stephen Ip, Secretary for Economic Development and Labour commented, "The opening of CT9 marks an important milestone in the development of our container port. With this new berth coming into operation, the container throughput of Hong Kong for this year is expected to exceed 20 million TEU."

Mr. Ip also noted the importance of the Shenzhen Western Corridor and a mirror bridge at Lok Ma Chau. "These infrastructure developments will create new conduits and improve the existing crossings to facilitate movement of cargoes to the container port, further strengthening Hong Kong's status as a leading transport and logistics hub."

Commenting on the complementary roles of government and business in the continuing development of Hong Kong's container terminals, John Meredith, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings and Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive of HIT, said: "This is the sum of a winning formula - a successful combination of government and business co-operation. The government has permitted the forces of a free market to develop Kwai Chung into a prosperous port."

"For over thirty years, Hong Kong has successfully responded to the demands of an ever-changing market. Container Terminal Nine is no exception," added Meredith.

CT9 consists of six berths, co-developed by Hongkong International Terminals (HIT), Modern Terminals (MTL) and Asia Container Terminals (ACT). Once completed in early 2005, the terminal will consolidate Hong Kong's role as the world's premier international shipping centre.

Notes to Editor:

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. As a leader in the application of new technologies and innovation, HIT has repeatedly won industry awards for its efficiency and high service.

HIT is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL). HPH is the world's leading port investor, developer and operator with interests in 15 countries throughout Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Today, HPH operates in a total of 32 ports together with a number of transportation related service companies.