(11 April 2002 - Hong Kong) -- Shantou International Container Terminals (SICT) received a 126-TEU vessel, M.V. "Tianma" on 10 April 2002. The inaugural call earmarked the commencement of a regular shuttle service between Shantou and Xiamen operated by China Ocean Shipping Agency Xiamen (Penavico Xiamen).

A ceremony was held at SICT to celebrate the maiden voyage. Top management from Xiamen Port Authority, Xiamen Port Entry & Exit Affairs Office and Penavico Xiamen attended the event. Mr. Zhou Tian-ci, Vice-Director of the Xiamen Port Entry & Exit Affairs Office commented that following the commencement of the new service, the investment and production environment of Shantou City would be improved, thus leading to a win-win situation for both Shantou and Xiamen.

The new service calls at SICT every Monday and Thursday, before calling at various terminals in Xiamen. Among all the calls at Xiamen is one at Xiamen International Container Terminals (XICT), another member of Hutchison Delta Ports (HDP). The service is expected to strengthen the connection among the ports in the HDP network.

Mr. Edward Tang, General Manager of SICT talked about the new service in delight, "The launch of the Shantou-Xiamen service will enhance the container transportation between the two regions. SICT will spare no effort in attracting more shipping lines through our high-quality service while contributing to the economic development of Shantou City."

Notes to Editors:

Shantou International Container Terminals (SICT) coastal port is a joint venture between Hutchison Delta Ports (HDP) and Shantou Port Authority and was the first dedicated container terminal in Shantou. Situated on the coast at Shantou in Guangdong province, it has been in operation since 1997 and is part of the HDP network, currently comprising three coastal and three river ports in South China.

Xiamen International Container Terminals (XICT) coastal port is a joint venture between Hutchison Delta Ports (HDP) and Xiamen Haicang Ports Company. Situated at Haicang in the Xiamen Special Economic Zone in Fujian, it has been in operation since 1997 and is part of the HDP network, currently comprising three coastal and three river ports in South China.

Both SICT and XICT are members of the HPH Group, 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 30 ports together with a number of transportation related service companies.

A ceremony celebrating the launch of the Shantou-Xiamen service was held at SICT on 10 April 2002.