Training ship the "Yukun" is stationed outside Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The ship is opened to public until 25 November 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

The visit of the nation’s first self-developed training vessel to Hong Kong has ignited enthusiasm throughout Hong Kong, with residents saying that it has deepened local society’s understanding of the country’s maritime industry and fostered a stronger connection between marine students and practitioners of both sides. 

As part of the activities for the seventh Hong Kong Maritime Week, Yu Kun, one of the most advanced oceangoing training ships in the world, arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday, for its second visit since 2017. 

Li Lianbo, captain of the vessel, told China Daily that exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong have increased markedly since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted

Docking in Tsim Sha Tsui, it will be open to the public through Saturday. However, all the time slots for reservations have been filled.

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With a length of 116 meters and a width of 18 meters, the vessel was officially started operating in 2008. Facilities open to the public include the cockpit, engine room, restaurant and student dormitories, offering a chance for the Hong Kong public to experience the life of crew members.

The admission fee is HK$10 ($1.30), and all the income will be donated to the Community Chest of Hong Kong for charitable purposes. 

The public opening attracted many Hong Kong residents. Dozens of them lined up near the pier on Tuesday morning, eager to visit the vessel. Many passersby also took photos of it.

Students from Hong Kong Sea School were the first group of visitors on Tuesday. Form 4 students Li Wang-fung and Wong Tsz-lung expressed their excitement to China Daily. “It‘s our first time to visit a vessel like this, and it let us know more about the structure of the vessel. I’d like to go to the mainland to learn more about the country’s maritime transport,” Wong said.

An 11-year-old student with the surname of Wan rushed to the site with his mother after completing his examination at school at 11 am. “The visit started at 11:30 am, luckily, we caught up,” Wan’s mother said. 

Wan has a strong interest in maritime transport. He and his mother bought tickets as soon as they heard the news of the vessel’s visit. His mother said the 30-minute visit was a little short. “This is a good visit, but I think a longer visit can enrich the residents’ experience and let the public know more about the vessel and its significance.”

“This visit is a surprise, and let us know more about our country’s maritime transport,” said Jackie, a 76-year-old resident who visited with a friend. He mentioned that he had visited Dalian several years ago, and the city made a good impression on him. “It’s a beautiful place with wide open spaces. I’d like to visit it again.”

Students from Hong Kong Sea School pose for a photo with crew members of Yu Kun on Tuesday. The ship is China’s first self-developed training vessel and one of the most advanced oceangoing training ships in the world. (ATLAS SHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Li Lianbo, captain of the vessel, told China Daily that exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong have increased markedly since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted. “The mainland and Hong Kong have a deep bond, I hope this trip can help promote a better understanding of each side.” 

Along with the vessel, 151 marine students and teachers, and 39 crew members from the mainland also traveled to Hong Kong. They are responsible for providing guidance to visitors on board and will also have exchanges with local marine schools.

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Li said that during the exchanges, several mainland practitioners in the field of maritime transportation shared their opinions on Hong Kong’s maritime development, including the succession of seafarers from different generations and students training in Hong Kong.

Crew members of Yu Kun introduce the vessel’s facilities to Hong Kong residents on Tuesday. (ATLAS SHAO / CHINA DAILY)

The vessel is also an internship place for Hong Kong marine students who participate in a cross-border exchange program, which began in 2018. Suspended for three years due to COVID-19, the program resumed this year, and 22 Hong Kong students had a 10-day internship on the vessel.

Hong Kong students who joined the internship in August described the experience as a precious opportunity to figure out whether they are suitable for marine-related jobs. In addition to gaining experience, they formed deep friendships with mainland students.