What's New

Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (HKSPA) paid tribute to all those who have contributed to the continued smooth operation of the Port of Hong Kong.  Expressing its gratitude and appreciation to all port and logistics workers, seafarers, port pilots, shipping lines, and the authorities in Hong Kong, the HKSPA has made every single effort to minimise disruption to the supply chain which is crucial for the city’s economy and the daily life of all Hong Kong people. 

Hong Kong led by example with reference to recommendations published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the end of March by exempting crew members travelling to or from cargo ships when the Hong Kong Government restricted entry for non-residents on 25 March.  The IMO recommends that governments around the world designate seafarers and port service personnel as “key workers” because they provide an essential service, facilitating shipping and keeping supply chains open.

Roberto Giannetta, Chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, praised the Hong Kong Government for allowing the shipping and logistics industries to maintain smooth cargo flow.  “The Port of Hong Kong is renowned for its efficiency and flexibility as a catch-up port that can accommodate last-minute changes.  At this difficult time, Hong Kong has not let us down and continues to provide the same high level of service we have come to expect from a leading international maritime centre like Hong Kong,” Giannetta said.

Leonard Fung, Managing Director of Hongkong International Terminals, said it is important for the industry to work together to maintain the global supply chain which provides medical supplies, food products, and other essential goods.  “Maritime transport carries around 90 per cent of world trade and the continued operations of shipping and ports are crucial.  We are glad to see that the Hong Kong Government has been making exemptions under the city’s measures against the coronavirus to facilitate the flow of cargo,” Fung added.

Horace Lo, Group Managing Director of Modern Terminals, said that the role played by the Port of Hong Kong is critical.  “The port and logistics industry contributes 3.1 per cent of Hong Kong’s GDP and supports about 180,000 jobs.  During this unprecedented period of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it is of even greater importance to ensure smooth supply chains to deliver fundamental goods to places and people in need.”

All members of HKSPA have been taking extra measures to maintain the usual high efficiency and service levels. While HKSPA encourages ship crew members to stay on board during port stays as a precaution, members are offering flexibility to facilitate crew change at terminals, which is crucial for the continued operation of shipping, an essential part of world trade.  Also, serving customer needs to the best of our capabilities during challenging times of shortage of reefer facilities in other ports, HKSPA has proactively worked with shipping lines to divert and relocate their reefer shipments to Hong Kong in the last couple of months to ensure temperature controlled commodities reach final destinations in good condition.

The HKSPA consists of four terminal operators: Hongkong International Terminals, Modern Terminals, COSCO-HIT Terminals and Asia Container Terminals.