Hong Kong is one of the largest ports in the world. Its long maritime tradition started in the mid 19th century. But it was a 1966 report on containerisation that suggested Kwai Chung should be Hong Kong's purpose-built container terminal. Construction of the first three terminals began in 1970. In 1974, work on Terminal 4 commenced on behalf of Hongkong International Terminals.

Containerisation cut vessel turnaround times dramatically and the new container yards developed new systems for loading, disembarking and transporting containers. Through the innovative use of systems and technology the Kwai Chung container terminal operators led the world in space usage and productivity.

With China's open-door economic policies, the Hong Kong Port rode the waves of containerisation and Chinese economic growth. It expanded significantly with Terminals 4, 6, 7 and 8 while throughput at both Kwai Chung and HIT reached new peaks. By 1987, Hong Kong was number one in the world container league, handling almost half of Hong Kong's throughput.

The 1990s saw continued growth and also the establishment of a unique kind of container handling mode in Hong Kong known as midstream operations. Midstream operations contribute to the service flexibility of the Port of Hong Kong by offering smaller container ships the ability to lie at secure buoys in the harbour and be unloaded by barge.

In 1996, construction started on the River Trade Terminal. At Kwai Chung, construction of Terminal 9 commenced in 2000.

The year 2000 was another banner year with double-digit growth in port throughput. Today, with over 80 international shipping lines providing 460 weekly container services to more than 170 ports worldwide, Hong Kong dwarfs its rivals.

New forces are at work. The integration of Kwai Chung into the network of South China ports, expansion of midstream and river trade operations, supported by sophisticated and electronically delivered logistics services, continue to make Hong Kong a sea-trade logistics hub.

The Government of the Hong Kong SAR is now looking to create a comprehensive sea, air, land and logistics services plan for Hong Kong. In line with the Government's plan to develop Hong Kong as a logistics centre, the Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association (HKCTOA) was recently established to promote the Port of Hong Kong as the key container port in the region.

The commitment of Government and private industry to the ongoing development of the port and logistics services will ensure that Hong Kong remains a pivotal link in regional commerce for years to come.