The problem of siltation has affected the Sham Chun River since it was dredged in the 1990s.

The river serves as the natural border between Hong Kong and mainland China and flows through the city of Shenzhen.

The visit revolved around discussions of ABPmer's successful experience of solving siltation on the Humber Estuary, the modelling techniques used by ABPmer to predict the build up of sediment and the dredging practices that were utilised to overcome the problem.

Before their visit to ABPmer's Southampton offices, the delegation also visited the offices of ABP's Humber Estuary Services (HES) to gain an understanding of how ABP maintains smooth and free flowing shipping channels on the Humber. Captain Phil Cowing, Harbour Master for the Humber;

Mike Abbey, Hydrographer for HES, and Paul Mitchell, Operations Manager for ABP's UK Dredging, hosted the delegation for the day.

Representing the delegation, M T Chow and L M Hua, said, 'We found our discussions with ABPmer most helpful, as we are trying to develop a strategy to manage the Sham Chun River Estuary. Our visits to ABPmer's offices and Humber Estuary Services helped us to gain a wider perspective on how to solve the problems associated with the Sham Chun River that we have encountered.'

Paul Norton, Senior Consultant for ABPmer said, 'We were pleased to welcome the delegation to ABPmer. A productive discussion took place, and we hope our meeting has provided them with ideas to assist with their work on the Sham Chun River.'