The Port of Hong Kong Handbook & Directory 2026

An international maritime centre transitions to a maritime capital centre

As we went to press the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) was celebrating the anniversary of its first meeting. This Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board 0.2, if you will, has been equipped with greater independence from government with the removal of the Secretary for Transport and Logistics (STL) from the chair with an industry person (Dr Moses Cheng) taking up the post. The HKMPDB also boasts a secretariat devoted to research and support of the Board.

During that inaugural meeting, the STL Highlighted identifying new growth points for high value-added maritime services; deepening international engagement to elevate Hong Kong’s global influence; and establishing a talent pool considering industry trends such as green transition.

As you will see within these pages, tremendous progress has been made in in the drive toward a green transition as simultaneously with an influx of new talent and businesses, some of which have been lured by Hong Kong’s green maritime fuel initiatives and a chance to play a part in the ports transition to be a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre. An essential component in the transition continues to be training staff to be employed in the green fuel workplace.

Proof that the P in HKMPDB is also valued despite some local industry observers minimising its importance in the overall vision of a successful international maritime centre. Throughput recently has been on the up at Kwai Tsing after many months of negative y/y figures. The increase has been attributed largely to joint industry/government arrangements with mainland ports.

A high profile approach to talent attraction can also be found in our latest appraisal of the work undertaken by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and the success of its Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance. Through its collaboration with 16 founding organizations including Shanghai Maritime University and Dalian Maritime University, the initiative is meeting with considerable success in luring young talent from Mainland China to Hong Kong.

But progress in enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre has not been confined to the efforts of government and industry associations. There are many examples of industry led innovation and creativity to be found among the Hong Kong maritime businesses. We have highlighted Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings and its leader Hing Chao. From a pure shipping concern just a handful of years ago, through subsidiary creation and smart joint ventures, Wah Kwong has evolved into an all round shipping and green fuel access innovator. Meanwhile, Mr Chao spends a great deal of time in Mainland China and overseas promoting decarbonization at some of the highest tables.

Reading through the Handbook, you will encounter many examples of the progress made by government and the private sector toward the envisioned maritime capital city. The publication of the Hong Kong Government’s first five-year-plan, which is due for publication in the fourth quarter of 2026, will hopefully include an agenda for further maritime development over the next half decade.

Mike Grinter
Editor

An international maritime centre transitions to a maritime capital centre

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