New P&I Club and Registry Changes Highlight HK Maritime Week

A new P\&I club and major updates to ship registration rules are among the key developments emerging from the opening days of Hong Kong Maritime Week.

The China P\&I Club (CPI) has introduced the Hong Kong Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association Limited. CPI said the launch of the Hong Kong P\&I Club represents a strategic effort to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading center for marine insurance by providing streamlined, one stop P\&I services.

At the same time, the Hong Kong Ship Registry is revising its regulations following a notable departure of vessels from its fleet. Mable Chan, the secretary for transport and logistics, said she is committed to improving flexibility within Hong Kong’s ship registration system. She announced that the registry will begin allowing dual registration, enabling Hong Kong flagged ships to be bareboat chartered under another flag.

The decision comes after two major shipowners, Pacific Basin and Seaspan, relocated their headquarters and significant portions of their fleets to Singapore during the recent dispute over port fees between the United States and China.

Speaking at the welcome dinner of the 6th US China Hong Kong Forum, Chief Executive John Lee criticized US tariff actions, stating: “Dialogue is always better than confrontation. Collaboration is more effective than unilateralism.”