The Hong Kong government welcomed the decision by the International Chamber of Shipping to organize a high-level global maritime trade summit in November in Hong Kong this year, which will be staged as one of the pivotal events at Hong Kong Maritime Week (HKMW) 2024.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung said Hong Kong, as an international maritime center, is well positioned to serve as a global platform that fosters cross-border exchange and synergy.

READ MORE: HK to enhance maritime cooperation with GBA cities, global bodies

“We express our gratitude for the ICS's continuous support for the Hong Kong maritime industry, as revealed by its active participation in the annual flagship event, HKMW, over the past several years,” he said, adding that Hong Kong looks forward to welcoming the summit later this year.

As an international maritime center, Hong Kong is well positioned to serve as a global platform that fosters cross-border exchange and synergy.

Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, HKSAR

This year’s HKMW will be the eighth edition of the event, and will be held from Nov 17 to 23.

On Tuesday morning, the transport and logistics chief met ICS Secretary-general Guy Platten to discuss the latest developments in the global maritime industry.

They said they agreed that there is a need to enhance collaboration among different stakeholders within the industry, amid the rapidly evolving maritime trends toward meeting sustainability goals and achieving technological advancements.

In the afternoon, Lam joined the Asian Shipowners’ Association’s 2024 International Shipping Forum, organized by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and sponsored by the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, where issues relating to the green transformation of the shipping industry — such as alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies, innovative operational practices, and regulatory compliance — were discussed.

At the forum, the transport and logistics secretary said that the government would release an action plan by the end of this year on establishing Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering center for both local and ocean-going vessels, to hasten the green transition of the shipping industry.

“We have seen a significant shift of the shipping industry toward Asia, as the region is playing an indispensable role in creating a sustainable maritime industry in terms of fleet ownership and cargo shipments, and shipbuilding and maritime services,” Lam said in his welcome speech at the forum.

ALSO READ: SAR 'ideal' to be global maritime arbitration hub

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met Platten and International Maritime Organization Secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez on Monday to discuss the development of the global shipping industry.

The chief executive said the administration will continue to strengthen cooperation and increase exchanges with other Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities and international maritime organizations to inject fresh impetus into Hong Kong's maritime and port development.