Speaking at a media lunch hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council ahead of next month’s Asia Logistics and Maritime Conference, CC Tung, the chairman of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), demanded the local government help expand the city’s terminals.

Hong Kong’s container port, the busiest in the world until 10 years ago, has been in decline for a long time now, likely slipping down the global ranks to fifth spot this year. Tung said it was vital the local government provided terminal operators more space to develop more berths and container storage areas. The port’s cramped space was constraining growth, he argued.

The Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators’ Association (HKCTOA) has repeatedly called on the local government to free up land around Kwai Tsing Container Terminal, pleas that thus far have fallen on deaf ears. This April, Jessie Chung, chairman of the HKCTOA, said: “Hong Kong’s container terminal industry is on the verge of a watershed moment as there is a real risk of our falling further in the world ranking among leading ports… To turn the tide of slipping competitiveness, we urgently need the Hong Kong government’s support in the area of land policy.”