Hong Kong officials are aiming to develop the region as a key yachting hub in Asia, with plans to develop the city’s yacht economy.
Hong Kong boasts 1,180km of shoreline and 263 islands, which policy makers say makes it ideal for yachting.
In his latest policy address, chief executive John Lee has said initiatives planned include providing 600 additional yacht berths at the former Lamma Quarry, an expansion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and the Hung Hom Station waterfront projects.
In addition, initiatives include a marina at Airport City, providing more than 500 additional berths, including berths that can accommodate superyachts over 80m in length.
Greater convenience
Requirements for visiting yachts will be relaxed and a Dynamic Yacht Monitoring System will be developed allowing visiting yachts to avoid prior booking and more choice of moorings, giving seafarers greater convenience.
Measures to facilitate the travel of yachts to and from Hong Kong will also be promoted.
Stephen Wong, head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) has held a discussion with prominent figures in the yachting industry to explore the sector’s prospects.
He also underlined Hong Kong’s strategic role in connecting regional yacht communities, as well as its potential to serve as a springboard into the Greater Bay Area.
These have been praised by industry officials with Hong Kong Boating Industry Association chair, Lawrence Chow, agreeing that this is a positive development.
New opportunities
And he said he applauded the regulations of making it more convenient for visiting yachts to come to Hong Kong, with these new anchorage spaces.
He also praised the streamlining of customs, immigration and quarantine facilities.
And he said that more boats coming in will mean more career opportunities for captains and crew, a growing role for the maintenance sector, and new opportunities for Hong Kong’s mega event industry.
“When we have, for example, the Hong Kong Marina there, it could possibly host some international events in the heart of the city,” he explained.
“That really puts Hong Kong on the map.”
Collaboration
Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association executive director Suzy Rayment stressed the importance of welcoming more high-spending visitors, and explained that the superyacht industry brings a full ecosystem of jobs and services to Hong Kong.
“You need to have berthing, fuelling and provisioning, and so Hong Kong as a whole benefits from these yachts coming in, because they spend a lot of money,” she said.
And she described Hong Kong as a fantastic hub because of its well-established boating community, which includes 70-plus superyacht owners.
CEPU will collaborate further with industry representatives to continue to promote Hong Kong and help its yacht economy develop its potential.
