Hong Kong Shipping Registry: 35 Years of Excellence Recognised at IMO

At the 2025 Joint Luncheon cum Award Presentation Ceremony, co-organised by the Hong Kong Marine Department (MD) and the The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), Hong Kong celebrated both industry achievements and the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry.

For the first time, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel received an IMO Letter of Commendation for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, while two others were specially recognised for rescuing mixed migrants. These honours reflect the professionalism and courage of Hong Kong seafarers, and the humanitarian values of Hong Kong shipowners.

In her opening speech, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Ms Mable CHAN underlined Hong Kong's role as an international maritime centre:“Hong Kong combines a free and open business environment, strong financial infrastructure, a predictable regulatory regime, and unparalleled access to the Mainland market. These strengths, together with the unwavering contributions of our shipowners, continue to make Hong Kong a trusted name in global shipping.”

Looking ahead, the Government will:

Introduce half-rate tax concessions to attract physical commodity traders and enhance shipping tax incentives under BEPS 2.0;
Further develop Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre;
Modernise the Hong Kong Shipping Registry through legislative improvements;
Roll out the Port Community System in January 2026 to accelerate digitalisation.

With over 2,600 ships and 130 million gross tons under its flag, the Hong Kong Shipping Registry stands among the world’s top registers — trusted, resilient, and future-ready.

by Xinde Marine News Pang Kai

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