The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) on Tuesday said an estimated 70 to 80 vessels flying the SAR flag remain stranded in or near the volatile Strait of Hormuz despite a brief ceasefire which allowed roughly 20 ships to escape the area safely.

Chairman Richard Hext noted that prior to the recent ceasefire, around 100 ships owned by members – carrying approximately 2,000 seafarers – were directly impacted by the Persian Gulf turmoil.

"During the ceasefire window, we estimate that about 20 to 30 of those vessels were able to leave the area safely," he said.

"Our current working estimate is that there are roughly 70 to 80 HKSOA member ships with around 1,400 to 1,600 seafarers on board remaining in or near the conflict zone."

Amid growing concern for the crews, deputy chairman Kenneth Lam gave a reassurance that the welfare of the stranded seamen remains a top priority.

"For the ships that are stuck and for the seamen that are stuck in the Gulf, they are at least provided with the necessary provisions and the necessary help," he said.

"So in these kinds of cases, I would say that from HKSOA's point of view, money is not an object. So we will continue to treat our seafarers well."

While tackling the fallout from the immediate Gulf crisis, the association is also turning its attention to longer-term structural priorities, submitting a series of recommendations to the government ahead of Hong Kong's first five-year plan and the upcoming Policy Address.

Key proposals include leveraging the SAR's financial strengths through cross-sectoral policies to boost shipping and trade development, promoting the Hong Kong maritime brand, and strengthening international cooperation to uphold core maritime values such as free trade and freedom of navigation.

The association further urged the removal of trade barriers imposed by other jurisdictions.

It also called for an accelerated transition to shore power systems at local ports to cut emissions and emphasised the need for increased resource support for maritime training programmes.



Edited by Tony Sabine