Ship registration in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Shipping Register was set up in 1990 under the Hong Kong Merchant Shipping (Registration) Ordinance, administered by the Marine Department (Hong Kong). Since the transfer of sovereignty by the United Kingdom in 1997, Hong Kong is authorised under the Basic Law by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, using the name “Hong Kong, China” to maintain a separate ship registration system.
In April 1999, the Hong Kong Government launched some new measures to improve the ship registration system in Hong Kong. By cooperation of government and shipping industry, the total tonnage of ship registry in Hong Kong has been reached 100 millions gross tonnes and over 2,440 vessels registered in January 2016.
The Hong Kong Ship Register is now the world’s fourth largest ship register, and the world’s largest national flag register.[1]
Ship registry fee
The first registration fee for a ship is determined according to its Gross Tonnage (GT).
| First Registration Fee (based on GT) | |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage of Ships | Registration Fee (HK$) |
| 500GT or below | 3,500 |
| over 500GT | 15,000 |
The annual tonnage charge for a ship is determined referring to its Net Tonnage (NT). The charge would not exceed HK$77,500.
| Annual Tonnage Fee (based on NT) | |
|---|---|
| Net Tonnage of Ships | Fee (HK$) |
| 1,000 or below | 1,500 |
| 5,000 | 15,500 |
| 10,000 | 33,000 |
| 15,000 | 50,500 |
| 20,000 | 65,500 |
| 24,000 or upwards | 77,500 |
Shipping Profit Taxation
Income derived from the international trade of Hong Kong registered ships is exempted from profits tax. HKSAR has also entered into bilateral double taxation relief agreements with 40 countries which include:
Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation (DTA):
Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States;
Reciprocal tax exemption (RTE):
Chile, Korea, New Zealand;
Comprehensive DTA (CDTA):
Austria Belgium Brunei Canada, Czech, France, Guernsey, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Korea, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mainland of China, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam
Registration procedures
There are 3 types of registration: Full Registration, Provisional Registration and Bare Boat Charter Registration. The registration procedures are simplified which only requires submitting:
- Application Form;
- Authority Form for making and signing applications and declarations;
- Declaration of entitlement to ensure the ownership of ships.
Hong Kong Ship Registration Agents
Agents for HK flag registration include:
- Wealth Ocean Services Ltd.
Preferential port dues
Hong Kong registered ships can enjoy about 30% preferential port dues in mainland China port since January 2000. In order to reduce port and light dues for Hong Kong registered ships, HKSAR expects to sign up agreements with other countries which having two-tier charging system.
Quality Assurance System
A. Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System
It is based on an information system to monitor the quality of Hong Kong registered ships. By analyzing and collecting the information, unqualified conditions of a ship will be identified for Flag State inspection.
B. Pre-registration Quality Control (PRQC) System
Marine Department will inspect the ship’s condition before the ship registered in Hong Kong. The ship should meet all safety and pollution prevention standards announced by International Maritime Organization at the time of entry.
See also
References
- Hong Kong Shipping Register User's Handbook, Marine Department of HKSAR
- ↑ http://www.hksoa.org/whyhk/whyhongkong.html, Retrieved Feb 18, 2016