The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) has announced it has crossed the 100m gross tonnage (gt) mark at the end of September with a total of 2,449 ships listed, ranking it as the fourth largest ship register in the world.

In a statement released by Hong Kong’s Marine Department, it was pointed out that Port State Control detention rate of Hong Kong-registered ships remains at a low level as a result of quality control.

“Ships registered in Hong Kong remain among the top performers in the white list issued by the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding of Port State Control, and are classified as low-risk ships in the Paris MoU,” the Marine Department said.

“In addition, Hong Kong continues to hold the Qualship 21 status of the US Coast Guard,” it stated.

In order to ensure the high standards of Hong Kong-registered ships, the HKSR will continue to enhance its services and provide shipowners with technical support and advice.

The Marine Department will continue to improve its coordination with relevant mainland Chinese authorities to provide better protection for Hong Kong-registered ships when they are in international waters and in foreign ports.

The HKSR was established on 3 December 1990 with 6m gt at the time.