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Register plants flag overseas

The Hong Kong Shipping Registry will have seven foreign offices by next year

The Hong Kong flag remains the fourth largest in the world and continues to grow both in terms of size and geographic reach.

The total gross tonnage of ships registered with the Hong Kong Shipping Registry (HKSR) increased by about 2% over the past year. As of 31 August 2021, the registered gt was 131.58m.

“Whilst promoting the growth of the HKSR, we have adopted a pragmatic approach and maximised our existing resources to safeguard the quality of Hong Kong fleet over the years,” says SY Chan, general manager of ship registration.

Since December 2019, the Marine Department has established four regional desks in Shanghai, London, Singapore and Sydney to render direct and prompt services to shipowners and operators for their Hong Kong-registered ships when visiting ports within the regions. Apart from technical support, the new overseas posts also help in promotional campaigns. In order to uphold the quality of the Hong Kong fleet, the foreign offices are also tasked to conduct free flag state quality audits on Hong Kong-registered ships.

“The establishment of the regional desks has enhanced the quality of the Hong Kong fleet and the competitiveness of the HKSR in meeting the needs of global shipping business,” Chan insists. Further offices are set to open in San Francisco, Tokyo and Toronto in the coming 12 months.

Administratively, the shipping register has streamlined its work processes with regard to the issuance of exemptions and dispensations and continues to explore the use of digital technology.