APSA Hong Kong Round Table: Superyacht Initiatives and Marine Tourism
Hong Kong members of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) met to discuss superyacht initiatives and ‘Marine Tourism’ developments being introduced by the Hong Kong Government. APSA, conjunction with the HKBIA, is submitting recommendations and providing expert knowledge during the HK Government’s consultation period that runs from June to August, in the lead up to the Chief Executive’s 4th Policy address in September 2025. APSA welcomed 17 members based in Hong Kong to join the superyacht focused Round Table discussion, that started with presentation by Colin Dawson (The George Group) and Joe Yuen (Lodestone Yachts) on a central ‘Hong Kong berth development for visiting superyachts’ project. If members are interested to be involved in APSA’s Superyacht Advisory Group or learn more about the ‘Central Berth Development Project’ please contact Suzy Rayment at marketing@apsuperyacht.org
Round Table Summary Discussion Points:
- Yachting and Marina Projects in HK: APSA members were united about the need to engage with the relevant HK Government departments during this important consultation period.
- Superyacht Regulations: The group outlined several key issues facing Hong Kong’s superyacht industry and top of the list was the need to update and streamline licensing regulations and CIQ procedures for visiting international superyachts.
- APSA Working Group with Mardep: It was suggested that APSA form a working party to advise Mardep on the regulation updates that are needed to ensure Hong Kong aligns with the global superyacht community, and identifies appropriate international qualifications for superyacht captains, along with streamline cruising permits, and reviewing crew working visas.
- Mardep Direct Contact: There was a call to creation of a dedicated division within Mardep, with nominated contact personnel who would be the first point of call for the superyacht and pleasure boat industry.
- Training and Professional Standards: Hong Kong is in the position to provide more professional training opportunities as well as career opportunities to service the growing number of superyachts arriving in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Educational Facilities: Hong Kong's VTC and Polytechnic University could in the future offer professional recognised training qualifications, and experts would need to be brought in to set up such programmes
- Maintenance and Refit Facilities: As the superyacht fleet continues to grow consideration should be the development of superyacht refit and maintenance facilities. Currently Hong Kong Shipyard is one of the few service facilities that superyachts can use.
- Marina Developments in Hong Kong: APSA needs to engage with the HK Government on the superyacht aspects of marina developments that include: Hung Hom waterfront, the "Victoria Cove" area that includes Kwun Tong, the airport Skytopia project, and Aberdeen expansion and redevelopment plan.
- Government Consultation: Different Government departments are involved in each of these projects, and was recommend that present that APSA along with the HKBIA actively engage with the relevant Government organizations, including the Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU), Urban Renewal Authority (URA), Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA), Development Bureau (DEVB), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and the Island South Office Development Bureau.
APSA Members Attending the Round Table were: Camper and Nicholsons (Kenneth Leung), Cheoy Lee (Martin Lo), Cowie & Co (Antony Cowie), Ferretti Group APAC (Andrew Pitchford), Howden /The George Group (Colin Dawson), Kingship Marine (Jeffrey Liang), Lantau Yacht Club (Alex Lee), Lee Marine (Jeffrey Chan), Lodestone Yachts (Joe Yuen), Northrop & Johnson Asia-Pacific (Michael Bognier), O2H2O, (Alex Heng) Praxis (Cindy Chen), Simpson Marine (Tom Allen), Specialized Marine (Matthew Keay) HKBIA (Lawrence Chow), Asia Yacht Press (Guy Nowell) and Suzy Rayment (APSA Executive Director)