The British and Hong Kong maritime sectors have signed a memorandum of understanding, pledging to deepen the working relationship between the two markets’ maritime industries.

The partnership between the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board (HKMPB) and Maritime London aims to foster cooperation between the two sectors to strengthen various areas of the maritime industry, including marine insurance, shipping, and training.

The agreement, which was part of London International Shipping Week, was signed by Frank Chan Fan, secretary for transport and housing of the Hong Kong Government and Lord Mountevans, chairman of Maritime London. Several leaders in the Hong Kong shipping industry were present, as well as John Hayes, CBE, UK minister of state for transport legislation and maritime.

Chan commented: “By working together, London and Hong Kong can grow together. Both cities are key international shipping and trading hubs with a shared outward looking and entrepreneurial spirit. Both serve regions beyond their own borders and both have an exciting future. We are delighted by the prospect of a closer working relationship than ever before.”

Lord Mountevans said: “Both the UK and Hong Kong look beyond their borders and provide world beating maritime expertise to global shipowners, traders and charterers. This agreement is designed to help both London and Hong Kong businesses collaborate and prosper with the support of their respective representative bodies.”

The HKPMB was established in 2016 by the Hong Kong Government to help develop the special administrative region’s maritime and port services. Meanwhile, Maritime London is a promotional body for British businesses serving the international shipping industry.


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