Ports

Hong Kong Weighs River Vessel Fees to Counter Mainland Port Threat

Hong Kong is reassessing permit charges for river trade vessels operating in the Pearl River Delta as Guangzhou and Shenzhen intensify competition for regional cargo flows. Transport and Logistics Secretary Chan Mei-po confirmed the review in a Legislative Council submission Wednesday. China-flagged vessels typically transport containers between delta ports and Hong Kong for transfer to ocean-going vessels. Mainland terminals have gained ground by offering financial incentives and waiving mandatory pilotage fees. Hong Kong currently operates a multiple-entry permit system allowing up to 10 monthly port calls under a five-entry fee structure. The government's Maritime and Port Development Strategy aims to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a regional transhipment hub through various competitive measures, including the fee review.