HK and Shenzhen stage first joint stress test at Huanggang Port

Over 400 vehicle departures were staged to simulate traffic flows through the port.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities conducted the first joint stress test of passenger and vehicle flows at Huanggang Port, involving more than 10,000 Hong Kong civil servants.

Participants travelled to the port on different forms of public transport and went through immigration procedures before departure.

Over 400 vehicle departures were conducted in repeated trials to simulate passenger and vehicle movements into and out of the port.

The exercise also tested automated passenger clearance channels under the “collaborative inspection” system.

Participants used either the automated channels or manual counters in the departure hall.

A separate crowd-flow test simulated peak periods by holding participants on designated floors and releasing them in several large groups over a short period.

The exercise tested whether the public transport interchange could handle a sudden surge of arriving passengers.

The vehicle test involved nearly 1,000 trips through the joint one-stop vehicle lane level.

Vehicles entered the port in batches via the new connecting road.

The exercise included simulated Customs and Excise Department risk assessments, queues for inspection and clearance through the joint one-stop lanes, and diversions to inspection areas for additional checks.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki inspected the exercise with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan.

Chan said the exercise proceeded without major problems, with passengers and vehicles moving through the port in an orderly manner.

He also said the public transport interchange handled a large volume of passengers over a short period.

The Hong Kong government will continue preparations with Shenzhen authorities.

The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will set and announce the opening date after both sides determine that the port is ready for operation.