Fees To Be Lowered For HK Ships Calling In China

Hong Kong-registered ships will reportedly pay lower port charges when they call at ports in mainland China starting Jan. 28, officials said. The cuts in charges will vary according to type of vessel. For example, a Hong Kong-registered ship with a net registered tonnage of 50,000 tons could save about 30 percent in port dues when calling at a mainland port. The pact is part of the Hong Kong government's efforts to promote the Hong Kong Shipping Register. In April, the government instituted measures to make the Register more competitive. These included a substantial reduction in the cost of registration and simplified registration procedures while maintaining high standards. The registered tonnage has increased about 30 percent or two million grt from 6.4 million before the introduction of the measures.