Here's how HK will boost growth in maritime sector

Amongst its strategies is enhancing its ties with Mainland China partners.

Hong Kong has unveiled its strategies to propel the growth of its maritime industry, whilst also ensuring the development of a more sustainable sector.

In his 2025 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong will establish "partner port" relationships with Mainland regions of strategic collaboration significance, as well as B&R regions, and prepare for the development of a green shipping corridor.

It will also develop bunkering of fuels such as green methanol, green ammonia and hydrogen for the establishment of a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.

Industry players will be invited later this year to submit expressions of interest in the development of green maritime fuel storage facilities. Vessels providing methanol bunkering services in Hong Kong waters will also be required to install mass flow metres to improve bunkering efficiency within the next year, and initiate a feasibility study on green ammonia and hydrogen bunkering.

“We are actively extending Hong Kong's cargo sources, promoting intermodal cargo transport from the Mainland's inland provinces and cities to international markets through Hong Kong via rail, sea, land and river,” Lee said.

Hong Kong also eyes to launch the Port Community System in January next year. This will provide a cargo tracking function and connect sea, land and air transport networks, bolstering trade and capital flows digitally.

The government eyes amending the Merchant Shipping (Registration) Ordinance next year to for a more flexible and digitalised registration process.

“To consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international logistics hub, we will release the findings of the planning study on the development of modern logistics clusters in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA this year. We will invite expressions of interest from the industry next year and draw up tender conditions,” Lee said.