TNAG-0441-FCO40-506-Visits-of-leading-personalities-of-Hong-Kong-to-UK-1974 — Page 34

CONFIDENTIAL

REGISTER OF SHIPPING

1. Together with the Department of Trade, we have been

discussing with the Hong Kong Government the possibility

of establishing a separate Hong Kong Register of Shipping.

The idea is that an autonomous Register of comparable

standards to the UK Register, under the Red Ensign but

adapted to local requirements, would encourage Hong Kong

shipping owners to register their ships in Hong Kong rather

than as at present under flags of convenience.

2.

Hong Kong shipping owners, notably Mr Y K Pao (World

Wide Shipping), and Mr C Y Tung (Island Navigation), account

for tonnage equal to half the total UK register.

fleets are growing rapidly.

Their

3. The two principal changes needed to establish the Hong

Kong Register concern manning requirements for officers

other than the Master; and the acceptance of Japanese

manufactured safety equipment in ships for both UK and Hong

Kong registration. Department of Trade Ministers are still

considering the implications. The British unions and ship

owners have expressed substantial reservations.

4. The advantage to both the UK and Hong Kong of increased

tonnage is mainly prestige. In addition a substantial

switch of tonnage from flag of convenience countries to an

autonomous Hong Kong Register with high standards would

lead to higher overall shipping standards.

CONFIDENTIAL