Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the US-China High-Level Event on Subnational Climate Action in Berkeley, the United States, on May 29 (California time):
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to share with you the efforts of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in clean energy and low carbon innovations, in particular in the realm of green shipping.
The expansion of the global economy and trade, movement of goods and people across the oceans has brought about increase in maritime traffic, which has environmental implications consequentially. Meanwhile, the idea of environmental, social and governance, or ESG in short, has been gaining momentum in the business world, including the maritime and port industry.
It is against this backdrop the HKSAR Government decides to steer the future growth of our maritime and port industry towards green shipping. As an international maritime centre enshrined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is ranked fourth in the 2023 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. In addition to having one of the busiest ports globally, we are also home to the fourth largest shipping registry in the world. It follows that our efforts in promoting green shipping will not only improve our city's environment, but also bring about positive impact to the local and international shipping community.
Decarbonisation in shipping
In December last year, the HKSAR Government promulgated the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international maritime centre. The very first strategy of the Action Plan is to develop Hong Kong into a green shipping hub, with net zero-carbon emission being our eventual goal. Our key actions could be summarised into three "greens" – green port, green fleet and green expertise.
First, in terms of green port, we are studying the feasibility of providing green fuel bunkering for both local and ocean-going vessels, and are set to promulgate another action plan within this year to lay out our strategies for the development of bunkering facilities and supply chains. In parallel, we are taking forward the relevant preparatory work to facilitate the provision of liquefied natural gas bunkering.
Furthermore, the HKSAR Government is studying the installation of onshore power supply at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the possibility of wider application of onshore power supply at other locations in Hong Kong.
Second, to support the development of Hong Kong's green fleet, we have set aside some US$8 million to provide incentives for Hong Kong-registered ships that attain high ratings in the Carbon Intensity Indicator of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Once launched, which will be within a month from now, Hong Kong will be a pioneer flag administration supporting the IMO's green shipping policy on the Carbon Intensity Indicator.
Third, with a view to cultivating green expertise in shipping, we are working to formulate green shipping guidelines for our local industry, as well as line up more training for capacity building, so that our shipping industry and workers could keep abreast of the latest developments in green shipping.
Conclusion
Environment preservation and economic development are never competing agendas. By promoting clean energy and low carbon solutions in transport, logistics and other areas, not only will we contribute to the global fight against climate change, but will we also enhance the competitive edge of our economy and industries. Hong Kong stands ready to collaborate and exchange with our peers on the international stage at this forum and beyond. Thank you.
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