Hong Kong pushes “Railway-Sea-Road-River” green corridor: Mable Chan

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2025 concluded today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing over 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries. Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event ran alongside Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025, providing a comprehensive platform for the shipping, logistics, and aviation sectors to exchange insights and explore collaborative solutions amid a complex global trade environment. Themed “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape,” the conference highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to consolidating its role as a global trade and logistics hub while advancing sustainability and technological innovation.

Speaking at the Maritime event and also at a press briefing at ALMAC, Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, outlined concrete initiatives to strengthen the city’s logistics and maritime infrastructure. She mentioned that nearly 200,000 metric tons of green fuels have been bunkered this year, complemented by pilot methanol fuel projects for ships, marking a significant step toward sustainable maritime operations. Chan also pointed to the upcoming launch of the Port Community System (PCS), which will provide real-time cargo visibility, streamline customs clearance, and support integrated logistics financing across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She emphasised that Hong Kong’s geographic advantages, professional expertise, and legal framework enable it to act as a super-connector, linking trade corridors across Asia and beyond.

The conference showcased a diverse range of sessions, including discussions on supply chain resilience, multimodal connectivity, and the future of Asian trade corridors. Industry leaders exchanged perspectives on green energy, digitalisation, and the integration of advanced logistics technologies. Delegates also explored strategies to mitigate disruptions from geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and evolving regulatory landscapes. The concurrent Hong Kong Maritime Week provided additional focus on maritime innovation, with sessions covering low-altitude logistics, cargo drone operations, and sustainable fuel adoption, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a hub for smart, green, and efficient supply chain solutions.

Through initiatives such as the integrated “Railway-Sea-Road-River” intermodal transport system and strategic partner-port relationships with Mainland China and Belt-and-Road ports, Hong Kong is laying the groundwork for a green shipping corridor. Chan stressed that these developments, combined with the city’s ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure, aim to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen regional trade linkages, and support the global transition toward environmentally sustainable logistics and maritime practices.

Hong Kong’s significance in international logistics was further reinforced during the opening addresses by government officials. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, highlighted the city’s unique advantages, including its common law system, low taxation, and free port status, as essential elements underpinning its role as a stable and reliable international maritime centre. “One Country, Two Systems is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s development,” Lee said, noting that the city’s leading clusters in ship management, financing, and insurance continue to attract global maritime enterprises. Lee also pointed to Hong Kong’s efforts to promote greener shipping practices, noting that commercial bunkering of LNG and biodiesel has become routine and that the city is working to establish itself as Asia’s leading centre for green fuel bunkering.

Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Leung Chun-ying, emphasised the importance of removing barriers to cooperation and enhancing Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector between domestic and international shipping enterprises. He highlighted opportunities arising from China’s latest opening-up initiatives and underscored the importance of continuous technological innovation and collaborative partnerships in fostering a sustainable, green, and intelligent shipping industry. “Hong Kong should strive to become an origin and incubator for new global shipping rules and emerging maritime industries, working hand in hand with partners domestic and abroad,” Leung said.

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From the perspective of the mainland government, Vice Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin stressed Hong Kong’s pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He underlined the city’s capacity to facilitate both inbound and outbound logistics flows, connecting Mainland shipping enterprises to international markets and attracting high-quality global shipping resources through Hong Kong. Fu outlined four key initiatives for the industry: seizing development opportunities, deepening cooperation, accelerating green and smart transformation, and strengthening high-end services.

The conference featured a series of panels and workshops exploring the changing dynamics of global supply chains. Senior executives discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, and evolving free trade agreements on supply chain strategies. With companies increasingly exposed to disruption, diversification and multi-modal connectivity have become critical. In a session on business growth under global trade uncertainty, Brian Bourke, Global Chief Commercial Officer of SEKO Logistics, emphasised the importance of resilient supply chains and the role of partnerships in navigating complex disruptions. Similarly, Henri Le Gouis, Executive Vice President of Global Freight Forwarding at GEODIS, highlighted the need for decisive, rapid action in the face of unforeseen supply chain challenges.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme across the conference. Panels focused on green energy solutions for logistics, including cleaner fuels for shipping and aviation, electrification of cargo handling, and energy-efficient warehouse operations. James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director for APAC at DNV Energy Systems, highlighted the need to prioritise energy transition efforts across all transport modes. “We talk about many options in terms of fuel, including diesel, LNG, and alternative fuels for ships. We need to see where the priorities are and how exactly to tackle this energy transition,” Laybourn said.

Technological innovation was another dominant topic, with AI, automation, and digital trade platforms increasingly reshaping logistics practices. Presentations highlighted how artificial intelligence is enhancing demand forecasting, route optimisation, and warehouse management, while blockchain and digital documentation systems are accelerating cross-border transactions. Executives noted that such technologies are no longer optional but essential for operational efficiency and competitive advantage. In a digital workshop on AI in supply chains, Steve Ng, Head of Supply Service for Hong Kong and Taiwan at Reckitt, showcased several case studies of supply chain automation, demonstrating how companies are improving efficiency and visibility across complex global networks.

Low-altitude logistics and cargo drones featured prominently as emerging solutions for last-mile delivery and hard-to-reach locations. Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Drone Delivery, discussed regulatory challenges in operating drone logistics and the need for harmonised international standards to support wider adoption. Kenny Lau, CTO of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited, added that integration with existing logistics networks, efficient airspace management, and resource sharing are key to scaling low-altitude solutions in dense urban areas such as the GBA.

The aviation and maritime sectors received particular attention. Executives highlighted Hong Kong’s ongoing infrastructure investments to enhance air and sea cargo capacity. Discussions underscored the city’s critical role in facilitating high-value shipments, time-sensitive goods, and cross-border e-commerce. Participants noted that Hong Kong International Airport remains a leading hub for pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce, while the city’s deepwater port supports containerised and bulk cargo with integrated logistics services.

Cross-border trade and the rise of new regional hubs were explored, with speakers pointing to the Middle East and Central Asia as increasingly significant corridors. Investment in rail networks, dry ports, and free zones in these regions is enabling more diversified supply routes and mitigating risk from concentrated trade flows. Hong Kong’s connectivity to these emerging hubs, combined with its established port and airport infrastructure, reinforces its role as a strategic gateway for global commerce.

Business collaboration remained a key outcome of ALMAC. Around 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed across aviation, logistics, shipping, and technology sectors. Notably, HKTDC and Greater Bay Airlines Company Limited (GBA) formalised an MoU to strengthen cooperation and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for trade and tourism. The agreement was signed by HKTDC Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation and External Relations Iris Wong, and GBA Assistant General Manager of Digital Marketing and Productions Danny Fung, with HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau and GBA General Manager, Commercial Ethan Zheng, witnessing the ceremony.

ALMAC 2025 also provided delegates with the opportunity to engage with over 90 exhibitors showcasing solutions across aviation, maritime, logistics services, and low-altitude operations. The Low-Altitude Economy Zone debuted at the conference, featuring drone delivery technologies, cargo drone platforms, and supporting navigation and monitoring systems. The exhibition highlighted Hong Kong’s role in promoting technology adoption and strategic partnerships in the fast-growing sector.

The conference concluded on a forward-looking note, emphasising that Hong Kong’s connectivity, regulatory framework, and logistics expertise will remain central to Asia’s global trade network. Senior industry leaders agreed that resilient supply chains, digitalisation, sustainability, and collaborative partnerships are the pillars for navigating evolving trade and transportation challenges.

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With the city actively pursuing green energy adoption, digital transformation, and enhanced multimodal connectivity, ALMAC 2025 reinforced Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading international logistics hub. By combining infrastructure readiness with policy support, technology adoption, and talent development, Hong Kong continues to offer a comprehensive ecosystem for companies seeking efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in their supply chains.

As global trade continues to evolve under the pressure of climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical alignments, ALMAC 2025 demonstrated that Hong Kong is prepared not only to adapt but to lead, providing a platform for industry collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across Asia and beyond.