Hong Kong reviews river fees as mainland ports lure cargo away

Hong Kong is reviewing permit fees charged to river trade vessels as it seeks to maintain its port’s competitiveness amid growing competition from mainland Chinese terminals in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

The secretary for transport and logistics, Chan Mei-po, announced the review in a written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

China-flagged vessels carry containers between ports in the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, where cargo may be transferred to ocean-going vessels for onward shipment.

Mainland Chinese ports offer incentives to attract inland waterway vessels carrying cargo, promising financial subsidies and exemptions from mandatory pilotage requirements.

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