Hong Kong’s new maritime board eyes a comeback

Famous names in local shipping circles such as Caravel’s Angad Banga, SeaKapital’s Sabrina Chao, Bjorn Hojgaard from Anglo-Eastern, Valles Steamship’s Wellington Koo and Alan Tung from Island Navigation are board members on the brand new Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB), which launched today, the latest initiative from the Chinese city to reassert its position on the global maritime map.

The board, which also features government members, is a step up in terms of scope and funding from the 2016-founded Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, and will advise local authorities in formulating policies and long-term development strategies. The HKMPDB will be underpinned by dedicated staff and provided with additional funding to enhance its research capabilities.

At the turn of the century Hong Kong was Asia’s preeminent maritime centre, a position that has been eroded over the past couple of decades.

The 2024 Leading Maritime Cities (LMC) report from DNV and Menon Economics saw Hong Kong fall to 12th place on the list of the top 50 shipping hubs around the world. As recently as 2019, it ranked in fourth place.

Last year also saw the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping launched as a body designed to boost the city’s credentials as an international maritime centre.

CY Leung, former head of the territory, is one of the chamber’s co-founders, with Hing Chao, the head of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, serving as its chairman.