According to data from the Hong Kong Marine Department, the container throughput of Hong Kong’s major port operators declined by 4.9% in 2024, totaling 13.69 million TEUs.
The throughput at Kwai Tsing Container Terminal fell by 6.2% to 10.35 million TEUs, while the throughput outside of Kwai Tsing Container Terminal decreased by 0.9% to 3.34 million TEUs.
In December alone, the total container throughput at Hong Kong ports was 1.191 million TEUs, a 4.2% drop compared to the same period in 2023, slightly widening the decline from November.
Statistics from Lloyd’s List show that since losing its title as the world’s largest container port in 2004, Hong Kong’s ranking among global ports has steadily declined.
The continuous drop in Hong Kong’s container throughput is mainly attributed to intensified competition from mainland ports. Ten years ago, the container throughput at Hong Kong ports was 22.23 million TEUs, but it is now challenging to meet the annual target of 14 million TEUs.
The development of Hong Kong’s shipping and port industries has garnered significant local attention. In mid-January, Legislative Council member Lam Shun-kiu proposed a motion titled “Enhancing Hong Kong’s Status as an International Shipping Services Center.”
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, stated, “Hong Kong’s port logistics industry has a century of excellent tradition, but in the face of the evolving global shipping and logistics landscape, we must also keep pace with changes and speed.”
“I will focus on actively promoting the port industry to expand cargo volume and business, seeking new growth points. We will continuously enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of the port through smart, green, and digital initiatives. We will also strive to assist Hong Kong shipping companies in leveraging Hong Kong’s financial, legal, and institutional advantages to develop and promote high-value-added services worldwide.”
Post time: Jan-24-2025
