On 3 April, the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) held a roundtable with Hing Chao, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS), and Chamber members at the Government Headquarters. The discussion focused on high-end maritime services, green energy transition, talent development, and Greater Bay Area cooperation.

Enhancing High-End Maritime Services

Chairman Chao highlighted Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s four leading arbitration centres. He announced that HKCoS will work to standardise bilingual contract templates and explore the use of the Hong Kong dollar as a settlement currency in shipping. These initiatives aim to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international shipping hub by enhancing its high-value-added maritime services.

Driving Green Port Initiatives

On green energy, participants exchanged views on the government’s “Green Port” policy, covering electrification, LNG, and green methanol bunkering. TLB responded positively to the Chamber’s proposals, signalling closer cooperation on advancing low-carbon port operations.

Nurturing Maritime Legal Talent

The roundtable also reviewed progress on the dual-master’s programme in maritime law, jointly launched by HKCoS, the University of Hong Kong, and five mainland universities. The programme has entered the interview stage, with the first cohort of 13 candidates to be selected by HKCoS Founding Member and Honorary Advisor Leung Chun-ying, alongside industry leaders. TLB welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in integrating resources from other local universities to expand talent development in the sector.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s Role as a Super-Connector

This meeting underscored Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super-connector.” HKCoS will continue working with government and industry partners to promote high-end and green development in shipping, further consolidating Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an Asia-Pacific maritime hub.