Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025: A Vision for Green and Digital Transformation in the Maritime Industry

Speech by STL at Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025 and World Maritime Merchants Forum 2025 Government Summit

​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025 and World Maritime Merchants Forum 2025 Government Summit today (November 17):

Distinguished guests, friends of the global maritime community, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It is my great honour to address you at the Government Summit of the World Maritime Merchants Forum. I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all, particularly those travelling a long way from all parts of the world.

Hong Kong takes pride in our long maritime history. Throughout the years, we have grown from a fishing village to a world-renowned maritime centre. Thanks not only to our excellent geographical location, but also our professional expertise, rule of law and our role as a "super connector" linking the East and West.

With the Central People's Government mandate to Hong Kong as an international maritime centre, we have charted new ways to empower the development of our maritime sector. As announced in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, we are establishing a comprehensive "rail-sea-land-river" intermodal transport system to extend Hong Kong's cargo sources to inland of the Chinese Mainland. Additionally, we will establish "partner port" relationships with Mainland ports, which are of strategic collaboration significance, as well as Belt and Road regions, and prepare for the development of a green shipping corridor.

Green transformation is a major global trend in the maritime industry. Our Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated in 2024 has set our measures in motion, with nearly 200 000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas and biodiesel bunkered this year. Digitalisation is also a vital focus for the development of the maritime industry nowadays. Our Port Community System providing real-time cargo tracking information through Hong Kong ports up to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be launched in two months, connecting all stakeholders in the logistics chain, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. The data collected through this system can support trade financing.

Indeed, we have drawn up a long list of tasks through which Hong Kong as an international maritime centre will grow from strength to strength. Let us work together to steer our maritime industry toward a smarter and greener future. On behalf of the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, may I once again express my sincere appreciation for your support to the Hong Kong Maritime Week. I wish you a fruitful and rewarding week ahead. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)

Speech by STL at Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025 and World Maritime Merchants Forum 2025 Government Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 7) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 23 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $4.7 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

Two male passengers, aged 43 and 58, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds in the check-in suitcases possessed by them. The duo was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases