Services and Activities
SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
The Hong Kong Shippers’ Council was founded with the intention of defending and enhancing the interests of both its members and the wider community of Hong Kong shippers. It gathers to address issues concerning the shipment of goods via sea, land, and air.
Guided by an Executive Committee consisting of representatives from 18 prominent trade associations in Hong Kong, the Council draws its diverse representation and membership from these industry bodies.
THE COUNCIL’S MISSION
At regional and local level, the focus of the Council is to:
• Ensure an open and competitive freight market environment
• Ensure that government policy and practices are geared towards the interests of shippers
• Ensure that proper infrastructure and facilities serve the present and future needs of shippers and logistics operators
• Ensure that carriers’ charges are reasonable, set with sufficient transparency and justification, and subject to proper governance
• Ensure that Hong Kong shippers’ voices are represented locally, regionally and internationally
The Council achieves these goals through the following actions:
1. Engagement in the Consultative Mechanism of the HKSAR Government
The Council upholds its central think-tank role, actively engaging with all consultative and advisory bodies. It has representation in several major logistics and transport-related government committees and advisory groups, including:
• Transport Sector, Election Committee of HKSAR
• Industrial (First), Election Committee of HKSAR
• Air Cargo Security Working Group, Civil Aviation Department
• Customer Liaison Group on Trade Matters, Census & Statistics Department
• E-Commerce Task Force, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
• Road Cargo System (ROCARS) User’s Liaison Group, Customs and Excise Department
• The Sea Cargo Liaison Group, Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department
• The Logistics Industry Training Advisory Group, Education Bureau and its various sub-committees
• Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and its various sub-committees
• Port Development Committee, Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board
• The Tripartite Meeting for Logistics Industry, Labour and Manpower Bureau
• Land Sub-Committee, Land and Development Advisory Committee
• Expert Review Panel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM)
• Port Operations Committee, Marine Department
• Occupational Safety & Health Council, and several of its sub-committees
• Industry Expert Liaison Group, Port Community System Development
• Prior Learning (RPL) (Logistics) Assessment Office
• Committee Member, Qualifications Framework Industry Training Advisory (Fashion)
• The Industry Consultative Network (Logistics), The Employees Retraining Board (ERB)
• Trade Single Window User Consultation Group
• Fashion and Textile Training Board, Vocational Training Council
• Merchandise Trading & E-Commerce Training Board, Vocational Training Council
• The Focus Group on Import/Export and Wholesale Trade Manpower Survey, Vocational Training Council
The Council advocates for local shippers by collaborating with policymakers and governing bodies on logistics legislation and by participating in key government-led initiatives to ensure shippers' needs are properly addressed.
The Council has also participated in discussions on:
Enhancing Hong Kong’s Status as an International Maritime Centre and International Aviation Hub
The development of the Lung Kwun Tan Reclamation and the re-planning of Tuen Mun West Area
The provision of logistics lands in the Hung Shui Kiu area
2025 Policy Address Consultation on Hong Kong as an international shipping center and aviation hub
2025/26 Budget Consultation
The Competition Commission's request for input regarding the Competition (Block Exemption for Vessel Sharing Agreements) Order 2017
Digital Transformation for the Hong Kong Trading and Logistics Industry
Port Community System
Liberalization of Cargo Fuel Surcharges
2. Engagement in Trade, Industrial, and Professional Organisations and Institutes
The Council closely co-operates with trade organizations, other related organizations and institutes :
• Chamber of the Hong Kong Logistics Industry
• FHKI Group 21, Transport & Logistics Services Council
• GBA Logistics and Supply Chain Innovation Alliance
• HKGCC, The Shipping and Transport Committee
• HKTDC, Logistics Services Advisory Committee
• HKTDC, The Garment Advisory Committee
• Hong Kong (SME) Economic and Trade Promotional Association
• Hong Kong Logistics Management Staff Association
• Hong Kong Productivity Council
• Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Association
• The Chamber of Hong Kong Logistics Industry Ltd
• The German Chamber of Commerce
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• The Hong Kong-Taiwan Business Co-operation Committee
• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong
• 香港中小型企業總商會
Through active participation in industry events and initiatives, the Council aims to cultivate closer collaborations and exert greater influence within the industry.
3. Protecting Shippers’ Interests and Protesting Unreasonable Shipping Lines’ Surcharges
In advocating for shippers’ interests, the Council focuses on freight rates and related charges to ensure that shippers can negotiate charges with shipping companies fairly and equitably within a competitive market environment.
To foster genuine competition, several key factors are essential: transparent pricing structures, efficient payment methods, and regularly reviewed service benchmarks.
Controversial issues such as carbon-related surcharges, documentation fees, peak season surcharges, currency fluctuations, port congestion fees, war risk premiums, and terminal handling charges frequently lead to disputes between shippers and service providers.
By collaborating with government bodies and relevant organizations, the Council is well-positioned to oversee and facilitate the establishment of fair pricing agreements with both carriers and freight forwarders.
4. International Cooperation
By actively participating in international shippers’ forums, the Council enhances its ability to advocate effectively for its members’ needs. These gatherings allow Shippers’ Councils to collectively analyze and compile critical shipping and logistics intelligence affecting diverse regions. Following each meeting, participants draft and sign a joint statement that outlines actionable plans for the upcoming year - spanning national, regional, and global priorities. In recent years, such international conferences have significantly elevated the influence of shipper organizations across the global industry.
Global :
• Global Shippers’ Alliance (GSA)
• Asia Shippers’ Alliance (GSA)
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• Competition, European Commission
• UNCTAD
• FIATA
Regional :
• Asia Shippers’ Alliance (ASA)
• Asia Shippers’ Council (ASC)
• Cross Strait Shippers’ Alliance
• GBA Innovation & Technology Alliance (Council Member)
• 港珠澳物流聯盟
• MOU with Thai National Shippers Council
• MOU with Lao’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI)
5. Enhancing Hong Kong’s Logistics Industry and Cementing its Position as a Leading Logistics Hub
The Council supports the Hong Kong Government’s efforts to enhance the city’s status as a leading logistics hub in Asia and boost its global competitiveness. To achieve this goal, the Council actively participates alongside the Government in international gatherings, and frequently accepts invitations to speak at local and global events, advocating for the domestic logistics sector, promoting its interests, and building closer partnerships to exert greater influence within the industry.
6. Training Courses and Visits
Over the years, the Council has organized a range of customized training courses, seminars, and site visits to logistics facilities, ports, and airports. These activities are specifically tailored to shippers’ needs, offering them firsthand industry insights and keeping them informed on the latest regional logistics developments.
7. Promulgating News and Messages to Shippers and the Industry
Through the Council's website, which features new communication channels including a news portal and an email blast system, the Council enhances the speed of information delivery and strengthens its connections with industry stakeholders. In addition, we engage with the industry on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
We keep our members informed of important updates through a variety of communications, including Messages from the Council, Notices to Shippers, Training and Logistics News, Statistics, Circulars, Market Information, Air Cargo Fuel Surcharges, and a Freight Cost Portal for major ASEAN economies.
Throughout the year, the Council issues Shipping Alerts to help shippers navigate challenges such as fluctuating freight charges and supply chain disruptions, providing recommendations and alternative shipping arrangements to help avoid delays.
The Hong Kong Shippers’ Council was founded with the intention of defending and enhancing the interests of both its members and the wider community of Hong Kong shippers. It gathers to address issues concerning the shipment of goods via sea, land, and air.
Guided by an Executive Committee consisting of representatives from 18 prominent trade associations in Hong Kong, the Council draws its diverse representation and membership from these industry bodies.
THE COUNCIL’S MISSION
At regional and local level, the focus of the Council is to:
• Ensure an open and competitive freight market environment
• Ensure that government policy and practices are geared towards the interests of shippers
• Ensure that proper infrastructure and facilities serve the present and future needs of shippers and logistics operators
• Ensure that carriers’ charges are reasonable, set with sufficient transparency and justification, and subject to proper governance
• Ensure that Hong Kong shippers’ voices are represented locally, regionally and internationally
The Council achieves these goals through the following actions:
1. Engagement in the Consultative Mechanism of the HKSAR Government
The Council upholds its central think-tank role, actively engaging with all consultative and advisory bodies. It has representation in several major logistics and transport-related government committees and advisory groups, including:
• Transport Sector, Election Committee of HKSAR
• Industrial (First), Election Committee of HKSAR
• Air Cargo Security Working Group, Civil Aviation Department
• Customer Liaison Group on Trade Matters, Census & Statistics Department
• E-Commerce Task Force, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
• Road Cargo System (ROCARS) User’s Liaison Group, Customs and Excise Department
• The Sea Cargo Liaison Group, Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department
• The Logistics Industry Training Advisory Group, Education Bureau and its various sub-committees
• Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and its various sub-committees
• Port Development Committee, Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board
• The Tripartite Meeting for Logistics Industry, Labour and Manpower Bureau
• Land Sub-Committee, Land and Development Advisory Committee
• Expert Review Panel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM)
• Port Operations Committee, Marine Department
• Occupational Safety & Health Council, and several of its sub-committees
• Industry Expert Liaison Group, Port Community System Development
• Prior Learning (RPL) (Logistics) Assessment Office
• Committee Member, Qualifications Framework Industry Training Advisory (Fashion)
• The Industry Consultative Network (Logistics), The Employees Retraining Board (ERB)
• Trade Single Window User Consultation Group
• Fashion and Textile Training Board, Vocational Training Council
• Merchandise Trading & E-Commerce Training Board, Vocational Training Council
• The Focus Group on Import/Export and Wholesale Trade Manpower Survey, Vocational Training Council
The Council advocates for local shippers by collaborating with policymakers and governing bodies on logistics legislation and by participating in key government-led initiatives to ensure shippers' needs are properly addressed.
The Council has also participated in discussions on:
Enhancing Hong Kong’s Status as an International Maritime Centre and International Aviation Hub
The development of the Lung Kwun Tan Reclamation and the re-planning of Tuen Mun West Area
The provision of logistics lands in the Hung Shui Kiu area
2025 Policy Address Consultation on Hong Kong as an international shipping center and aviation hub
2025/26 Budget Consultation
The Competition Commission's request for input regarding the Competition (Block Exemption for Vessel Sharing Agreements) Order 2017
Digital Transformation for the Hong Kong Trading and Logistics Industry
Port Community System
Liberalization of Cargo Fuel Surcharges
2. Engagement in Trade, Industrial, and Professional Organisations and Institutes
The Council closely co-operates with trade organizations, other related organizations and institutes :
• Chamber of the Hong Kong Logistics Industry
• FHKI Group 21, Transport & Logistics Services Council
• GBA Logistics and Supply Chain Innovation Alliance
• HKGCC, The Shipping and Transport Committee
• HKTDC, Logistics Services Advisory Committee
• HKTDC, The Garment Advisory Committee
• Hong Kong (SME) Economic and Trade Promotional Association
• Hong Kong Logistics Management Staff Association
• Hong Kong Productivity Council
• Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Association
• The Chamber of Hong Kong Logistics Industry Ltd
• The German Chamber of Commerce
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• The Hong Kong-Taiwan Business Co-operation Committee
• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong
• 香港中小型企業總商會
Through active participation in industry events and initiatives, the Council aims to cultivate closer collaborations and exert greater influence within the industry.
3. Protecting Shippers’ Interests and Protesting Unreasonable Shipping Lines’ Surcharges
In advocating for shippers’ interests, the Council focuses on freight rates and related charges to ensure that shippers can negotiate charges with shipping companies fairly and equitably within a competitive market environment.
To foster genuine competition, several key factors are essential: transparent pricing structures, efficient payment methods, and regularly reviewed service benchmarks.
Controversial issues such as carbon-related surcharges, documentation fees, peak season surcharges, currency fluctuations, port congestion fees, war risk premiums, and terminal handling charges frequently lead to disputes between shippers and service providers.
By collaborating with government bodies and relevant organizations, the Council is well-positioned to oversee and facilitate the establishment of fair pricing agreements with both carriers and freight forwarders.
4. International Cooperation
By actively participating in international shippers’ forums, the Council enhances its ability to advocate effectively for its members’ needs. These gatherings allow Shippers’ Councils to collectively analyze and compile critical shipping and logistics intelligence affecting diverse regions. Following each meeting, participants draft and sign a joint statement that outlines actionable plans for the upcoming year - spanning national, regional, and global priorities. In recent years, such international conferences have significantly elevated the influence of shipper organizations across the global industry.
Global :
• Global Shippers’ Alliance (GSA)
• Asia Shippers’ Alliance (GSA)
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• Competition, European Commission
• UNCTAD
• FIATA
Regional :
• Asia Shippers’ Alliance (ASA)
• Asia Shippers’ Council (ASC)
• Cross Strait Shippers’ Alliance
• GBA Innovation & Technology Alliance (Council Member)
• 港珠澳物流聯盟
• MOU with Thai National Shippers Council
• MOU with Lao’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI)
5. Enhancing Hong Kong’s Logistics Industry and Cementing its Position as a Leading Logistics Hub
The Council supports the Hong Kong Government’s efforts to enhance the city’s status as a leading logistics hub in Asia and boost its global competitiveness. To achieve this goal, the Council actively participates alongside the Government in international gatherings, and frequently accepts invitations to speak at local and global events, advocating for the domestic logistics sector, promoting its interests, and building closer partnerships to exert greater influence within the industry.
6. Training Courses and Visits
Over the years, the Council has organized a range of customized training courses, seminars, and site visits to logistics facilities, ports, and airports. These activities are specifically tailored to shippers’ needs, offering them firsthand industry insights and keeping them informed on the latest regional logistics developments.
7. Promulgating News and Messages to Shippers and the Industry
Through the Council's website, which features new communication channels including a news portal and an email blast system, the Council enhances the speed of information delivery and strengthens its connections with industry stakeholders. In addition, we engage with the industry on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
We keep our members informed of important updates through a variety of communications, including Messages from the Council, Notices to Shippers, Training and Logistics News, Statistics, Circulars, Market Information, Air Cargo Fuel Surcharges, and a Freight Cost Portal for major ASEAN economies.
Throughout the year, the Council issues Shipping Alerts to help shippers navigate challenges such as fluctuating freight charges and supply chain disruptions, providing recommendations and alternative shipping arrangements to help avoid delays.