Over a decade after the 2012 ferry collision in Hong Kong, the Coroner’s Court has reopened the investigation into the tragic incident involving the Lamma IV and Sea Smooth ferries. Survivors and victims’ families seek accountability, as the court reviews design flaws and safety regulations despite lacking authority to impose charges.
A Hong Kong court sentenced captain Lin Shou-wen to 14 months in prison for endangering maritime safety after a fatal collision with a fishing boat. Lin admitted to taking a shortcut and failing to assign a lookout, leading to one death and six rescues. The judge criticized his delayed response.
On November 18, the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance maritime education. This partnership aims to develop a skilled workforce in Hong Kong’s maritime sector, utilizing IUMI’s educational resources and collaborative initiatives.
Hong Kong has launched a marine specialty risks insurance pool to enhance coverage for the Asian shipping sector. This initiative consolidates local underwriting capacities, creating a stable framework for maritime operations. By addressing unique industry challenges, it aims to bolster stakeholder confidence and promote resilience in the evolving shipping landscape.
Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025, from November 16 to 22, opened with Chief Executive John Lee addressing urgent maritime challenges. Emphasizing “Navigating to a Greener Future,” he highlighted geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate change. Lee urged collaboration for sustainable shipping, positioning Hong Kong as a vital hub in global maritime efforts.
Hong Kong’s Mariners Club is set to reopen its renovated nine-storey guest house next Tuesday, aiming to attract maritime industry members for crew changes. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the club offers amenities like a church, swimming pool, and dining options, supporting seafarers’ needs despite recent challenges, including a significant fire.
Two prominent Asian cities are enhancing their maritime heritage with new attractions. Osaka will unveil the Mitsui OSK Lines’s Funeshiru Museum, featuring interactive displays and a world-first navigation simulator. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Jockey Club Anchor Plaza showcases a massive anchor from the Seawise Giant, fostering maritime education and community engagement.
On July 6, the Hong Kong-flagged tanker Fulda faced a fire and explosion while traveling from Kandla to Port Sohar. After discharging methanol, the vessel began gas-freeing operations when the blast occurred. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, and pollution control measures were initiated as a precaution.
The captain of the Hong Kong-registered container ship New Polar Bear, Wan Wenguo, appeared in a Hong Kong court without legal representation, facing charges of criminal damage to a natural gas pipeline and telecommunications cables. The case has been postponed to allow the prosecution to gather further evidence.
The newly established Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) aims to reinforce the city’s status as a global maritime hub. Featuring industry leaders, the board expands upon its predecessor by enhancing research capabilities and advising local authorities on policy, addressing Hong Kong’s declining prominence in the shipping sector.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is revolutionizing maritime management through AI and big data. The Maritime Data and Sustainable Development Centre has created tools for vessel monitoring and emergency response, achieving 98.6% accuracy in predicting typhoon shelter needs. Collaborations with Tsinghua University enhance data processing and improve navigation safety.
NYK and the Hong Kong Police Force recently conducted a counterterrorism drill on board NYK’s NYK Daniella, a 210-meter, 2,664-TEU containership in Hong Kong’s waters. The drill lasted an hour, involving terrorists entering the vessel by boat, leading to a search and suppression operation by Hong Kong special forces.
Authorities in Hong Kong are implementing an action plan to promote green maritime fuel bunkering, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from the cargo industry. The plan targets a 55 percent switch to green fuels by 2026 and a 30 percent cut in carbon emissions at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals by 2030.
The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board is evolving into the “Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board,” with a focus on advising the government on policies and long-term strategies. The board will receive increased funding for research, promotion, and training initiatives to support the industry’s sustainable growth.
The Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS) launched on October 7, aiming to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime center. Key leaders emphasized collaboration among local businesses, government, and education, while addressing challenges like geopolitical tensions and decarbonization. HKCoS will foster a sustainable ecosystem for global trade and shipping.
