Hong Kong to Open Waters to Guangdong Yachts Under Southbound Scheme From October
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong will launch a southbound scheme in October allowing Guangdong-registered yachts to sail in local waters, Transport Secretary Mable Chan announced. The scheme follows Beijing's June approval of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau individual yacht initiative and complements an existing northbound scheme. Authorities have already certified dozens of mainland yacht masters and will sign a memorandum with Guangdong maritime officials.
Key Points
- Transport Secretary Mable Chan said the southbound scheme for Guangdong yachts is expected to roll out as early as October, with details to be revealed later .
- The Marine Department will soon sign an MoU with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration to implement southbound travel for Guangdong yachts .
- Several dozen mainland yacht masters have already been certified for having good knowledge of Hong Kong waters since the northbound scheme launched in June .
- Mainland yachts will anchor in designated berthing areas under a dynamic, real-time yacht-monitoring system to manage berth traffic .
- Beijing approved the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau individual yacht scheme in June, allowing Hong Kong owners to sail to designated ports .
- Hong Kong's largest flotilla since the scheme's debut, comprising 16 yachts, sailed to Zhuhai's Dong'ao Island in August .
Why It Matters
The scheme positions Hong Kong as a yacht hub in the Greater Bay Area, potentially boosting cross-boundary leisure spending and tourism by seamlessly connecting local waters with Guangdong's yachting resources .
The scheme positions Hong Kong as a yacht hub in the Greater Bay Area, potentially boosting cross-boundary leisure spending and tourism by seamlessly connecting local waters with Guangdong's yachting resources .