Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024 held its grand opening ceremony today, showcasing the strong commitment of Hong Kong's maritime industry in sailing towards sustainable shipping and consolidating the city's status as an international maritime centre.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki said: “Sustainability - transforming Hong Kong into a green maritime centre - is at the heart of our policy priorities.”

Mr Chan also highlighted that the Government had just promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, which includes the development of essential infrastructure, encourages ports to reduce carbon emissions as well as provides incentives for using green maritime fuels.

He said in order to underpin the aspiration of transforming Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, the action plan also underscores collaboration with ports in the Greater Bay Area, as well as collaboration with other ports in the development of a green shipping corridor.

Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board Chairman and Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung followed with a speech.

He said: “The global maritime sector is undergoing profound transformation in recent years, driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation, geopolitical and trade dynamics. The global maritime community is responding flexibly and effectively to the forces of change.”

The transport chief noted that the programme this year has seen even stronger connections with the international community, with the International Chamber of Shipping staging a two-day Global Maritime Trade Summit for the first time in Hong Kong.

The opening ceremony was followed by the World Maritime Merchants Forum 2024 Main Forum. Another anchor event, the Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference 2024, also commenced on the same day. While the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide concluded this morning.

Additionally, Xin Hong Zhuan, the world’s first intelligent research and training dual-purpose ship, will make its debut visit to Hong Kong. The vessel's tour registration quota is full. A video clip of the vessel will later be published on the Facebook pages of the Transport & Logistics Bureau and the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board.