The Government announced today (March 15) the signing of a framework agreement on co-operation in Mirs Bay pilotage between the Marine Department and the Transport Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. A consensus has been reached in various areas of co-operation including the scope of pilotage services for vessels, deployment of pilots and charging arrangements. The co-operation in pilotage agreed between the authorities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen is deep and unprecedented, with a view to enhancing the port development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The agreement will take effect on June 1 with a validity period of three years.

     Under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, and in compliance with the legal requirements of both places, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed upon an innovative mode of co-operation for port services. According to the framework agreement, vessels required to be under compulsory pilotage, as stipulated in the laws of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, will be piloted by one single Hong Kong or Shenzhen qualified pilot throughout the entire voyage to or from a Shenzhen port through Mirs Bay and the service will be charged once.

     The pilotage co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen will enhance ship navigation safety in Mirs Bay, bolster the efficiency of vessels passing through the Shenzhen east port area and reduce operating costs of shipping and port entities, thereby improving the business environment of the GBA and further promoting the integrated development of port and pilotage services within the GBA.

Ends/Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:00

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