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and its approach channel to enable the new generation of ultra-large container ships to call at the port under all tidal conditions.

Hong Kong Port Development Council

In Hong Kong, all container terminal facilities are financed, developed, owned and operated by the private sector. The Government's role is to undertake long-term strategic planning for port facilities and to provide the necessary supporting infrastructure, such as roads and channels to the terminals.

The Hong Kong Port Development Council (PDC), chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, is a high-level advisory body comprising key industry players. and senior government officials. The PDC advises the Government on port development strategies and port facility planning to meet future demands. It also assists the Government in promoting Hong Kong as a regional hub port and a leading world container port.

Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council

The Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council (MIC) is a high-level advisory body chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Housing. Comprising industry leaders and senior government officials, it advises the Government on the formulation of measures and initiatives to develop further Hong Kong's maritime industry. It also assists the Government in promoting Hong Kong's maritime services and its status as an international maritime centre.

Over the years, the MIC has launched various incentive and scholarship schemes to support manpower development at both technical and professional levels for the maritime sector. In 2011, it provided, among other things, scholarships to students of selected post-graduate programmes in maritime services and maritime law. MIC has also helped promote Hong Kong's maritime services to local and overseas markets.

Maritime Industry

Over 80 international shipping lines offer ocean liner services in Hong Kong, with about 440 sailings weekly to 500 destinations around the world. In addition, there are over 700 shipping-related companies operating in Hong Kong, providing a great variety of quality maritime services, ranging from ship agency and management, ship owning and operation, ship broking, marine insurance to inland water transport. Other related services such as ship registration, ship finance, and maritime law and arbitration are also available. Hong Kong is one of the world's most renowned maritime centres. Its ship owners control about 9 per cent of the world's merchant fleet in terms of deadweight tonnage.

Some of the world's largest and oldest shipping companies are based in Hong Kong providing professional services not only to Hong Kong-registered ships but also to ships calling at Hong Kong. Other international maritime service providers have also set up offices in Hong Kong, providing various supplies and support services including ship maintenance and repair, bunkering, ship replenishment, waste

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