[Hong Kong, 16 October 2015] Hutchison Port Holdings Trust ("HPH Trust") today announced during a celebration cocktail that its cumulative throughput in Hong Kong has reached 200 million TEU, setting a remarkable milestone for Hong Kong’s container port industry. The Hong Kong terminal operators under the banner of the HPH Trust – namely Hongkong International Terminals Limited, COSCO-HIT Terminals (Hong Kong) Limited, Asia Container Terminals Limited, and related portfolio ancillary services – have made significant contributions to Hong Kong’s container port industry and overall economic development over the past half century. The 200 millionth TEU marks an important chapter in the history of Hong Kong’s container port industry.  

Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, congratulated HPH Trust at the celebration cocktail for its achievement and contribution to Hong Kong’s port industry.  

"Despite the impressive performance of the Hong Kong Port, maintaining the Port’s competitiveness is no easy business," said Professor Cheung. "In strengthening our competitiveness, we should also recognise the potential from strong domestic demand of emerging markets in the region and the many new opportunities to be brought about by the national “Belt-and-Road” Initiative.  With some 80% of global merchandise trade being transported by sea, its launch is bound to boost demand for international shipping and port services.  The Hong Kong Port no doubt will have an important role to play in the development of the Initiative."

Mr Gerry Yim, Chief Executive Officer of HPH Trust, said, "Hongkong International Terminals recently celebrated its 45th anniversary and is now part of this 200 million TEU milestone. These achievements would not have been possible without our dedicated and efficient colleagues, who continuously drive the local logistics industry and contribute to Hong Kong’s economic development. The logistics industry contributes 3.2% of local GDP and provides a steady base of quality employment. Our excellent system and facilities, as well as our efficiency and flexibility all exemplify Hong Kong’s unique strengths. HIT has always been an innovator and some of its more recent initiatives include: Hong Kong’s first crane-electrification programme that phased-out diesel-powered equipment; becoming the first terminal operator in Hong Kong to install remote-control operations for rubber-tyred gantry cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes; and replacing the jib cranes at the barge wharf with barge quay cranes, the first of their kind in southern China. The investments made are to enhance our handling capacity and maintain our city’s reputation as a leading container port."

Mr Yim added, "Facing the recent challenges, our strategy is "Be Prepared". Our company will not diminish its development; on the contrary, we have committed a HK$1.8 billion equipment investment plan to enhance our operational standards. We will continue to launch various activities to strengthen communications with staff and external contractor workers, promote workplace safety and increase the sense of belonging among staff. There is a sharp rise in transshipment volumes in recent years, which under the cabotage rules, Hong Kong remains as a port of choice for international shipping lines.  As such, raising our handling efficiency is very vital to support Hong Kong’s development as a logistics hub and maintain its competitiveness, setting trends and standards along the way. We are also encouraged that the government is pushing ahead a new land use and barge berth strategy to support the container port industry. “

Mr Yim concluded, “The past half century has been a wonderful journey for our industry and for Hong Kong.  HPH Trust is committed to the continuing success of Hong Kong Port as we set sail towards our next 200 million TEU."

Photo captions

Photo 1:	Mr Gerry Yim, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust announced during a celebration cocktail earlier this evening that its cumulative throughput in Hong Kong has reached 200 million TEU, marking a momentous milestone for Hong Kong’s container port industry and set sail towards the next  200 million TEU.
Photo 2:	The Honourable Professor Anthony BL Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, congratulated Hutchison Port Holdings Trust during the celebration cocktail for its achievements and contributions to Hong Kong’s port industry.
Photo 3:	(Left to right) Mr Gerry Yim, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust; Dr. John E. Meredith, Deputy Chairman of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust; The Honourable Professor Anthony BL Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing; and Mr Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited, celebrated the remarkable 200 million TEU milestone of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust.
Photo 4:	(Left to right) Mr Gerry Yim, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust; Dr. John E. Meredith, Deputy Chairman of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust; The Honourable Professor Anthony BL Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing; and Mr Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited, joined hand with business associates in a toast to the remarkable achievement of 200 million TEU, which marked an important chapter in the history of Hong Kong’s container port industry.