Hong Kong Launches New Maritime Development Board

Several key figures from Hong Kong’s shipping community—among them Caravel’s Angad Banga, SeaKapital’s Sabrina Chao, Bjorn Hojgaard of Anglo-Eastern, Wellington Koo of Valles Steamship, and Island Navigation’s Alan Tung—have been appointed to the newly established Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB), which officially launched today.

This new board represents the city’s latest effort to reestablish its influence in global maritime affairs. The HKMPDB expands upon the foundations of the previous Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board created in 2016, offering broader responsibilities and increased funding. Alongside industry leaders, government representatives will also serve on the board, which is tasked with advising on strategic policy and long-term development plans for the sector.

The new entity will benefit from dedicated staff and enhanced financial resources to support in-depth research and analysis, further strengthening its ability to shape Hong Kong’s maritime future.

Once considered Asia’s leading maritime hub at the start of the 21st century, Hong Kong has seen its standing slip in recent years. According to the 2024 edition of the Leading Maritime Cities (LMC) report by DNV and Menon Economics, Hong Kong ranked 12th globally among 50 shipping centers—down significantly from its 4th place position in 2019.

Efforts to revive Hong Kong’s maritime prominence have gained momentum. In 2023, the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping was established with the goal of reinforcing the city’s role as an international shipping hub. The chamber’s founding members include CY Leung, the former chief executive of the territory, and Hing Chao of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, who now serves as the organization’s chairman.