COMPANY PROFILE
Modern Terminals has been a pioneer in the growth of the container terminal industry in Hong Kong and Mainland China ever since we opened Hong Kong’s first purpose-built container-handling facility in 1972. Today, we own and operate container terminals at Kwai Tsing Container Port, Hong Kong. We operate and hold a majority of shares in DaChan Bay Terminals in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). In the PRD, we also hold equity stakes in both Shekou Container Terminals and Chiwan Container Terminal.
Message from
Group Managing Director
It was an extremely challenging year for the maritime and port industry in 2023 as world trade remained soft with limited growth in the world’s largest economies after the pandemic. High interest rates and inflation have been impacting consumer confidence, and their disposable income and spending pattern. In addition, geopolitical tensions in various locations have brought uncertainties to the global container trade and are impacting cargo volumes in and out of China. Industry analysts are forecasting a low single-digit growth in global container trade in 2024. Though still positive, the expected growth is lower than the average of the previous ten years.
Achieved by:
- adopting partnership as the core approach with customers, suppliers, governments and other industry and community participants
- providing industry leadership in the areas of productivity, efficiency, environmental performance and safety management across our core terminal operations and integrating with industry partners to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions
- creating the physical gateways for global trade in support of an integrated world
- delivering both an environmentally sustainable approach to terminal construction and a sustainable business and operating model
- ensuring long-term performance by providing opportunities for staff, suppliers and other local industry players to assist in the development of the local economy and community
- contributing directly and indirectly to the improvement of people's lives
- Be recognised for delivering world-class services through our Brand Promises so that profitable business is acquired and retained
- Foster a culture of ambition and social responsibility where our talented people can grow, excel and succeed
- Continuously strive for operational excellence and improved financial performance by leveraging technological and management system innovation
- Realise economies of scale at China business units to improve operating margins and position for future expansion
- Build on our China base and expand internationally by building government and private sector partnerships
We are the preferred partner for world-class terminal and supply-chain services.
We are committed to working with you to maximise the value you create for your customers and your shareholders.
Whenever you interact with us you will consistently experience the following brand promises:
Partnership for value:
We understand your business drivers and work together with you to create value for both of us.
Customer-driven innovation:
We collaborate with you to develop creative ideas and deliver outcomes that benefit your business.
Operational excellence:
We deliver world-class services, using best practice to continuously raise our metrics while managing exceptions professionally.
Our Brand Promises have been designed to ensure that when you work with Modern Terminals, you Partner with the Best.
- Accountability - We are accountable for our decisions, actions and results by being dedicated and pro-active in undertaking our work
- Trust - We earn the trust of our colleagues, customers and business partners by respecting one another and conducting ourselves with integrity
- Teamwork - We work together in highly effective teams towards common goals by leveraging our differences and strengths
Our culture values contribute to Work Life Fulfillment - Our people take pride in being part of the company because we feel engaged and motivated to achieve, gaining satisfaction from our contribution in a trusting and supportive environment.
OUR STORY
A progressive company with a proud heritage
Modern Terminals opened Hong Kong's first purpose-built container terminal in 1972, making us a pioneer in an industry that has grown substantially over the years.
We have also won recognition in an increasingly competitive business environment as an organisation that comes up with innovative ways to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as a customer-oriented company that focuses wholeheartedly on developing solutions that match the needs and business initiatives of our customers.
Following our success in Hong Kong we have expanded into Mainland China where we are already emerging as a key player within the regions in which we operate.
Please click the year on the left to view the milestone details.
Modern Terminals pioneers deployment of green fuel, becoming the first in Hong Kong to trial hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Hong Kong Seaport Alliance welcomes OOCL SPAIN, one of the largest container vessels in the world with a capacity of 24,188 TEU, on her maiden voyage to Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals Limited celebrates its 50th anniversary of operations in Hong Kong. In the past 50 years, Modern Terminals has handled over 140 million TEUs at its facilities in Hong Kong.
DaChan Bay Terminals welcomes the arrival of the two-millionth TEU of the year at its facilities.
Modern Terminals receives the “Outstanding Award for Green and Sustainable Loan Issuer (Port & Logistics Industry) - Visionary Sustainability-linked Loan Performance Metrics” in the Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards 2021 organised by the HKQAA. Group Managing Director Horace Lo and Chief Financial Officer Vivian Tso also receive the Leadership Award and Strategist Award respectively.
Modern Terminals receives the Certificate of Excellence (Large Organisations category) in the Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2020/21 organised by the Hong Kong Management Association.
We announce our sustainability strategy covering all our five sustainability pillars in September. We aim to eliminate direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our own operations by 2030, and to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Hong Kong Seaport Alliance welcomes HMM GDANSK, the world’s largest container vessel with a capacity of 23,964 TEU, on its maiden call to Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals receives the Silver Award in the Transport and Logistics category of 2019 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence.
Modern Terminals signs the Low Carbon Charter launched by Business Environment Council, showing our commitment to working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Modern Terminals donates the first two issues of its staff newsletter Hoi Ma published in 1977 and a model of a straddle carrier (nicknamed “Gwei Shau” or “Monster” in Cantonese), the first generation of container crane used at the port, to the Hong Kong Museum of History for its new permanent exhibition of “The Hong Kong Story”.
DaChan Bay Terminals becomes the first container terminal facility in South China offering shore power at all berths.
In November, Modern Terminals welcomes MSC Isabella, with a capacity of 23,656 TEU, on its maiden call to Hong Kong, setting a new record as the biggest container vessel to call at the Port.
Hong Kong Seaport Alliance launches new barge initiatives in October offering barge operators in Hong Kong and South China higher efficiency and flexibility, reduced turnaround time, as well as incentives to expand the scale of operations and coverage.
In July, the Hong Kong Seaport Alliance welcomes world’s largest container vessels, OOCL HONG KONG as well as COSCO SHIPPING GALAXY, with a capacity of over 21,000 TEU, on its maiden voyage, highlighting HKSPA’s ability to handle the world’s mega container ships and Hong Kong’s role as a transportation and logistics hub in the region.
The Hong Kong Seaport Alliance commences progressive implementation on 1 April 2019, bringing efficiency enhancements and cost synergy to shipping lines.
On 8 January, Modern Terminals, together with Hongkong International Terminals Limited, COSCO-HIT Terminals (Hong Kong) Limited, and Asia Container Terminals Limited, announces the formation of the “Hong Kong Seaport Alliance”, a joint operating agreement designed to deliver more efficient service offerings to carriers that call Hong Kong while enhancing the competitiveness of the Port of Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals becomes a member of “Cybersec Infohub”, a programme steered by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) to promote closer collaboration among key information security stakeholders in Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals receives two Merit Awards in the categories of “Safety Promotion Award” and “OSH Annual Report Award” of the 17th Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health Award organized by Occupational Safety & Health Council.
Modern Terminals is named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia by HR Asia, Asia’s leading publication for HR professionals. It recognizes our efforts in two-way communication, corporate culture, people development, employment benefits and care for employees.
Modern Terminals is awarded the “Sustainable Consumption Enterprise Award - Certificate of Excellence” by the Business Environment Council (BEC) to recognize our outstanding performance in green procurement.
The third Sustainability Report is released, covering the period from 1 July 2015 to 31 December 2017.
Modern Terminals receives five new quay cranes for higher efficiency and capability.
Modern Terminals welcomes Madrid Maersk, one of the largest container vessels in the world with a capacity of 20,568 TEUs, on its maiden call to Hong Kong highlighting the operating capabilities of the port as an international maritime hub and reinforces Modern Terminals’ competitiveness as a major player in the region.
Modern Terminals is honoured to have its first female apprentice of the container terminal industry recognised as the first female outstanding apprentice in the industry.
Modern Terminals is awarded by Hong Kong Council of Social Service the 10 Years Plus Caring Company Logo in appreciation of our continuous commitment to the society.
Modern Terminals sells the rest of its shares in Taicang International Gateway in June.
The second Modern Terminals Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report is released, with expanded coverage of all our business units in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Modern Terminals purchases 5 new quay cranes and upgrades 4 existing ones at our facilities in Hong Kong.
A graduate of the Modern Terminals Apprenticeship Training Programme is recognised by the Vocational Training Council in Hong Kong as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Apprentices and our first female apprentice becomes one of the Top 30 Outstanding Apprentices.
Modern Terminals successfully obtains ISO 14001:2015 certification, the newest version of this environmental management standard.
Modern Terminals commissions a new barge berth and installs a new lighter crane at Terminal 5 to enhance quayside capabilities.
Modern Terminals is the first Hong Kong container terminal operator to be recognised with the global Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Containerisation International (CI) Awards.
Modern Terminals sells 50% of its shares in Taicang International Gateway in July.
The NAVIS 4 terminal operating system goes live in Hong Kong, building on the successful implementation in DaChan Bay Terminals.
ModernPorts.com is upgraded. This online platform features accurate, real-time details of vessels, barges and containers being handled by Modern Terminals. ModernPorts.com forms an efficient tool for the exchange of information across the shipping community with a view to increasing the efficiency of the services provided to all stakeholders.
Modern Terminals is supporting Project WeCan 2, a five-year scheme launched by the Wharf Group to fund programmes that offer care and opportunities to less-privileged students in Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals welcomes the arrival of our 100 millionth TEU at the Hong Kong facilities. Celebrations are held with customers, employees and contractors’ workers to mark the occasion.
Modern Terminals receives the "Manpower Developer (MD)" award from the "Employee Retraining Board (ERB) Manpower Developer Award Scheme" in Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals is the first in the terminal operations industry in Hong Kong to start using a training simulator for the operators of Quay Crane and Rubber-tyred Gantry Crane.
We become one of the region's first container terminal operators to publish a CSR Report prepared in accordance with internationally recognised sustainability reporting guidelines. It provides a clear and balanced view of our significant economic, environmental and social performance for the period between January 2011 and June 2013.
DaChan Bay Terminals receives ISO 14001 certification, meaning that the Environmental Management Systems of all Modern Terminals business units are now compliant with ISO environmental management standards.
The Navis N4 terminal operating system goes live at DaChan Bay Terminals, enabling it to generate significant value for customers through streamlined operations and improved service delivery.
DaChan Bay Terminals ends a year of substantial growth by reaching the goal of 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a year for the first time. The facility also receives the highest ranking among all Shenzhen terminals in the Shenzhen Container Terminal Service Satisfaction Survey.
We invest HK$170 million to convert diesel-powered rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) in our Hong Kong facilities into electric-RTGs (E-RTGs), reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Our Hong Kong business unit is awarded the 2011 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) Transport and Logistic Bronze Award in recognition of our achievement in environmental protection.
Modern Terminals is a founding participant of Project WeCan, a six-year programme launched by the Wharf Group to raise the overall performance of secondary school students in Hong Kong, by pledging to donate a total of HK$15 million in sponsorship to Cotton Spinner Association Secondary School, which is located near our terminals in Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals becomes Hong Kong's first container terminal operator to receive the HKQAA-HSBC CSR Advocate Mark.
We convert 44 RTGs (rubber-tyred gantry cranes) into hybrid-RTGs in Hong Kong to reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Our Hong Kong business unit gains ISO 14001 environmental certification.
Modern Terminals wins the Sectoral Award in the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) and an Environmental Performance Certificate of Merit in the Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI).
DaChan Bay Terminals provisionally opens with two international berths.
We become the first Hong Kong organisation to receive a CISPROS (Continual Improvement Safety Programme Recognition of System) Level 3 certificate from the Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council.
Modern Terminals holds a 20% equity interest in Mega SCT, which owns Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Shekou Container Terminals, after a rationalisation effort.
Phase II of Taicang International Gateway with four container berths starts operations in September.
We launch a HK$1 billion+ project to upgrade the facilities at our Terminals 1, 2 and 5 in Hong Kong.
China's Central Government approves the DaChan Bay Terminals project in Shenzhen, a joint venture by Modern Terminals and the Shenzhen Municipal Authority.
We acquire an equity stake in Phase 1 of Shekou Container Terminals, Shenzhen.
Container Terminal 9 (South) is completed, giving us seven container berths and two feeder berths at Terminals 1, 2, 5 and 9 (South) in Hong Kong.
In January, phase I of Taicang International Gateway, with two berths for container vessels and two for break bulk, commences operation.
Modern Terminals co-founds OnePort Limited with other Kwai Tsing terminal operators to boost the Port of Hong Kong’s competitiveness through automated data services.
Modern Terminals acquires an equity stake in Shekou Container Terminals Phase 2.
Modern Terminals and V-LOGIC form a strategic partnership to develop logistics services for the shipping industry. (Divested in 2021)
Modern Terminals unveils a new corporate image for the new millennium.
We acquire a 20% equity stake in Chiwan Container Terminal in Shenzhen through a joint venture with China Merchants International.
We are awarded a contract to manage Shekou Container Terminals Phase 1 in Shenzhen, our first joint venture in Mainland China.
Warehouse Phase 2 in Hong Kong is completed.
Modern Terminals takes over Terminal 2 in Hong Kong.
The Berth Five extension in Hong Kong is completed.
The Modern Terminals Warehouse building officially opens in Hong Kong.
OCL's TOKYO BAY becomes the first vessel to arrive at our new facility in Hong Kong.
Modern Terminals Limited is registered in Hong Kong.