The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) set another new record in August 2002 by breaking the 15 million gross registered tonnage (GRT) mark.

This is four months earlier than the target date set in April 1999 and is also the second time that the HKSR has hit the target mark before the target date. The first time was made in October 2000 when the 10 million GRT mark was crossed 18 months ahead of the target originally set by the Government.  

The remarkable achievement was made as a result of the continued effort of Marine Department to make the HKSR more competitive and user-friendly while maintaining it as a quality register over the past few years.

The Marine Department carried out major re-engineering efforts and reforms to beef the HKSR up from its low of 6.3 million GRT three years ago. The measures introduced to the HKSR, including reduction of registration fees, simplifying of registration procedures,  streamlining  of   ship  

survey requirements, and the introduction of a Flag State Quality Control System, were widely welcomed and praised by shipowners. These reforms had attracted many foreign-owned ships to join the Register.

Last year, the HKSR recorded a 116% increase to 13.7 million GRT compared with that in April 1999, and is in the league of the top 10 shipping registers in the world. The achievements have reinforced Hong Kong's position as an international shipping centre.  

Hong Kong has joined in the effort to safeguard the global maritime trade system against terrorism by supporting the US Container Security Initiative (CSI).

The Customs and Excise Department, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) for the CSI in September 2002 with the US Customs Service.

The CSI is an initiative proposed by the US Customs to address the potential risks of terrorist attacks   involving   ocean-going  

containers. Its objective is to enhance the security of the world's maritime trading system through strengthened Customs cooperation at seaports.

Under the DoP, the Hong Kong and US Customs exchange information and work together closely to facilitate the identification and screening of high-risk containers.

It is expected that Hong Kong's support of the CSI would help ensure the smooth flow of US-bound cargo and further enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Hong Kong.  

The Government had taken into account a host of factors, such as impact on trade and port efficiency and competitiveness, in making the decision to support the CSI scheme. It had also held consultative meetings with various stakeholders, including shipping companies, forwarding agents, terminal and mid-stream operators, who were in general supportive of the goals of CSI. The Hong Kong Logistics Development Council had also pledged support for the Initiative.

The Hong Kong Customs and the US Customs Service will proceed to work on the implementation details of a CSI trial scheme.