Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung led a Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board (HKMPB) delegation to Hamburg, Germany, this week, to promote Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.

Mr Lam, who also chairs the HKMPB, met representatives of the Hamburg Port Authority, major shipping liners, logistics companies and shipowners’ associations during a three-day visit that began on September 2.

In his meetings with industry players, he explained Hong Kong’s strategic position as the “super connector” between Mainland China and global markets, and how its high value-added maritime services can contribute to global maritime business growth.

The delegation also toured port facilities, and learnt about the smart and green features of the city’s terminals.

On Tuesday, the delegation attended the Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology (SMM) trade fair 2024 in Hamburg.

Mr Lam gave a speech at an SMM session to update the international maritime community on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s maritime industry.

The transport chief highlighted that Hong Kong has a free port with efficient customs clearance and strong international connectivity, and a vibrant maritime services cluster. He added that the city benefits from the unique institutional advantages provided under “one country, two systems”, and serves as a springboard into the China market.

Mr Lam said these factors all contribute to Hong Kong’s comprehensive maritime business capabilities, and its ranking among the top four leading shipping centres in the world according to the recently released 2024 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report.

On the same day, Mr Lam also joined a panel discussion at the SMM to share his insights on energy transition in global transport and logistics.

The SMM is one of the world’s leading maritime trade fairs and conferences, attracting over 40,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world, including companies from Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Yesterday, Mr Lam hosted a networking lunch for around 20 representatives from various German maritime enterprises and organisations, and paid a courtesy visit to Chinese-Consul General in Hamburg Cong Wu.

The delegation has concluded its visit to Hamburg and will arrive in Athens, Greece, this afternoon.