From 20 to 21 March, Hing Chao, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS), attended the Trade Wind Shipowners Forum in Shanghai and led a delegation to visit Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), and the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission.

Leadership Insights at the Trade Wind Forum

On 20 March, during the Forum’s Leadership Spotlight session, Chairman Chao spoke on China’s pivotal role in global shipping and how it can expand its influence while addressing the twin challenges of sustainability and profitability.

He also met with Zhuang Wei, BIMCO’s Asia Pacific Regional Manager, to explore potential areas of cooperation between HKCoS and BIMCO.

Exchange with Shanghai Maritime University

That afternoon, the delegation visited Shanghai Maritime University, where Chao held discussions with President Chu Beiping and Vice President Yin Ming. Zhuang Wei (BIMCO) and Yang Shu, Deputy Director-General of the Liaoning Provincial Department of Transport, also joined.

The meeting covered:

• Drafting and promoting a Chinese version of BIMCO standard contracts.
• Jointly advancing efforts to host the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) in Shanghai.
• Progress of the dual master’s programme in maritime law jointly developed by HKCoS, the University of Hong Kong, and Shanghai Maritime University.
• Cooperation on green fuel initiatives.
• Maritime talent development, including career pathways for retired seafarers.

Visit to Shanghai International Port Group

On 21 March, the delegation visited SIPG and was received by President Song Xiaodong, Vice President Yang Zhiyong, and senior executives.

Chao introduced HKCoS’s mission and suggested collaboration in clean energy research and in bringing the GMF to Shanghai.

President Song voiced strong support, emphasising Hong Kong’s distinct position as China’s only common law jurisdiction and noting HKCoS’s role in advancing both Hong Kong’s hub status and China’s maritime ambitions.

Dialogue with the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission

In the afternoon, the delegation met with Ye Xing, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, and other officials. Discussions focused on LNG and green methanol bunkering, green fuel cooperation between Shanghai and Liaoning, and the feasibility of establishing a Northeast Asia green fuel price index.