Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) will operate 32 rubber-tyred gantry cranes and nine quay cranes at Kwai Chung Port's new Container Terminal Nine (CT9) North to meet the future needs of shipping line customers.

Hong Kong's economic development & labour secretary Stephen Ip said the opening of the first berth of CT9 last month was an important milestone.

"With this new berth coming into operation, Hong Kong's container throughput this year is expected to exceed 20 million TEU," he said.

HIT deputy chairman John Meredith said Kwai Chung was developing into a prosperous port.

"For more than 30 years, Hong Kong has responded to the demands of an ever-changing market. CT9 is no exception," he said.

CT9, Hong Kong's newest container handling facility, is on the south-eastern shoreline of Tsing Yi. Once fully completed in 2005, CT9 North will provide HIT with 700 metres of quay with an alongside depth of 15.5 metres.