Hong Kong calls for government support to preserve port competitiveness

The Hong Kong Container Terminal Operator’s Association (HKCTOA) has called for the government’s support to provide additional back-up land and barge berths at the Kwai Tsing container terminal, to safeguard the port’s competitiveness.

Jessie Chung, chairman of the HKCTOA, said: “Hong Kong’s container terminal industry is on the verge of a watershed moment. To maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness, the terminal operators at Kwai Tsing Port have been making substantial investments in capability and productivity enhancements. We urgently need the Hong Kong government’s support in the area of land policy.”

Key industry trends over the last few years have prompted this call for support, including the growing size of mega container vessels and the increasing reliance on barge-transported transshipment that impact the handling capacity of the port.