What Changed
- Formulation of a smart transition roadmap for Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, where 67 cranes (~16%) operate remotely alongside 6 autonomous electric vehicles.
- Implementation of the Port Community System with over 9,000 registered enterprises and approval of HK$1.23 million in FILAS funding across three applications.
- Ongoing review of Hong Kong maritime legislation following the IMO MASS Code (May 2026) to establish navigation safety, collision rules, and legal liabilities for autonomous vessels.
### Background
The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its position as an international maritime centre (IMC), advocating for the development of a world-class port cluster layout in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and promoting integrated port cluster development. In alignment with this national policy, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government formulated the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) ("Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan"). This policy establishes a development framework centered on three pillars: stabilizing container volume, increasing value, and strengthening synergy. The strategic goal shifts the port's focus from volume-driven growth to value-added services, accelerating the "volume to value" transformation of Hong Kong Port through smart transition, green transformation, and high-value-added maritime services.
### Digitalisation and Smart Transition of Kwai Tsing Container Terminals
The Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCTs) consist of nine terminals with 24 berths, operated by five private port operators. Historically, KTCTs have used centralized computer systems for resource allocation and management, connecting operational hardware through wireless communication. Private operators have progressively upgraded terminal hardware to enhance smart capabilities in response to operational needs.
Currently, port operators at KTCTs have introduced six autonomous electric vehicles, and 67 cranes (representing approximately 16 per cent of the total crane fleet across KTCTs) are now operated remotely. To further advance this transition, the HKSAR Government, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board and port operators, is formulating a comprehensive roadmap for the smart transition of KTCTs. This roadmap accounts for Hong Kong's position as a free port and international transshipment hub, balancing operational efficiency, terminal flexibility, operator investment capacity, and technical feasibility.
### Data Interconnection, FILAS, and Cybersecurity Compliance
To facilitate digital transformation across maritime, port, and logistics sectors, the HKSAR Government introduced the Port Community System (PCS), owned by the Government and operated by the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. Since its official rollout in January 2026, over 9,000 enterprises—including terminal operators, shipping companies, logistics providers, and traders—have registered. Among these, approximately 6,000 enterprises are local small and medium-sized logistics and shipping agency businesses, representing more than 60 per cent of total registered users.
To assist businesses in accessing public logistics data platforms such as the PCS, the Government launched the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme (FILAS) in June 2026. FILAS announced its first batch of three pre-approved IT onboarding solutions on September 1, 2026. As of October 2026, seven applications were received under FILAS, of which three were approved, involving a total funding amount of HK$1.23 million.
Regarding commercial data security and privacy, critical infrastructure operators must fulfill statutory obligations under the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance. This framework requires designated operators to establish dedicated management structures, enact computer-system security plans, perform regular risk assessments and audits, and maintain emergency response plans. Concurrently, PCS operations adhere to the Digital Policy Office's Government IT Security Policy and Guidelines, conducting regular security risk audits to protect commercial data.
### Autonomous Vessel Regulation and Intermodal Connectivity
Following the publication of the International Maritime Organization's non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) in May 2026, the HKSAR Government is reviewing local maritime legislation, port monitoring systems, and infrastructure. The review examines safety standards, the application of collision prevention regulations, and legal liabilities of remote control operators. Applications for trial operations of autonomous vessels in designated Hong Kong waters will be evaluated incrementally based on operational complexity, technology maturity, and risk levels, prioritizing lower-complexity scenarios first.
Regarding GBA port coordination, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou serve as the primary port hubs in the GBA. The HKSAR Government collaborates with Guangdong Province through established platforms to foster complementary strengths. Container throughput between Hong Kong and Shenzhen Yantian reached approximately 336,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025 (a 13 per cent year-on-year increase), while throughput between Hong Kong and Guangxi reached around 276,000 TEUs (a 21 per cent year-on-year increase). Scheduled sea-rail intermodal services linking Hong Kong with Chongqing and Chengdu are managed directly by commercial port operators, and the Government does not maintain specific figures for their cargo volumes, trip counts, or clearance waiting times.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: How many cranes at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals currently operate remotely?**
As of November 2026, 67 cranes at KTCTs operate remotely, representing approximately 16 per cent of the total crane fleet across the terminals. Operators have also deployed six autonomous electric vehicles.
**Q2: What is the current funding status of the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme (FILAS)?**
As of October 2026, FILAS received seven funding applications from third-party logistics service providers and approved three, allocating a total of HK$1.23 million in funding.
**Q3: How does the Port Community System comply with data security standards?**
Operations of the PCS comply with the Government IT Security Policy and Guidelines issued by the Digital Policy Office. The system conducts regular security risk assessments and audits to safeguard commercial data security and enterprise privacy.
**Q4: What is the status of Hong Kong's legal review regarding autonomous vessels?**
The HKSAR Government is reviewing local maritime laws with reference to the IMO's MASS Code (issued in May 2026) and national guidelines. Applications for trial operations in designated waters will be assessed in phases based on complexity and risk level.
Who May Be Affected
Terminal operators, third-party logistics service providers, shipping agencies, maritime autonomous vessel developers, and GBA port operators.
Cross-Border Context
Aligns Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) with Mainland China's 15th Five-Year Plan to build a world-class port cluster across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.
What to check next
- Monitor the formal release of the KTCT smart transition roadmap by the Transport and Logistics Bureau.
- Track Legislative Council updates regarding statutory amendments to maritime legislation for autonomous surface ships (MASS Code alignment).
- Check future application rounds under the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme (FILAS).
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.