The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), together with the Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance, led a 50-member strong delegation visit to Dalian last week (17 to 20 March) for information and technical exchange in commodity trading, green shipping, fuel supplies and maritime education.
During the four-day trip, the delegation conducted site visits to the Dalian Commodity Exchange, Dalian Maritime University, the Dalian Changxing Island Economic Zone, Hengli Heavy Industry, the Dalian Northeast Asia International Shipping Centre Research Institute and the China ClassiUication Society Dalian Branch. The delegation also met with various stakeholder sectors at the Dalian-Hong Kong Shipping Exchange and the Xinde Green Shipping Forum 2026 (Dalian).
HKSOA China Subcommittee Chairman Mr. Yang Xianxiang said: “This trip has been most fruitful. Dalian is a major port and a major shipping centre in our country. Through the site visits, forums and meetings, our members have a better understanding of many developments and business opportunities there. Today, Hong Kong’s maritime sector is facing many more challenges owing to the geopolitical situation and global decarbonization trends. We look forward to having more cooperation with the stakeholders in Dalian to support the national strategic plans for the maritime and ocean economy.”
“We are also pleased to have researchers, teachers and students joining the trip, “ said Mr. Yang. “The feedback has been good, highlighting the value of the newly established Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance as a platform to integrate and connect the industry, academia, research and practical applications to build a strong talent pool.”
The HKSOA, founded in 1957, is a major trade organisation in Hong Kong, with over 200 corporate members including ship owners, ship managers, and various service providers in ship Uinance, marine insurance, agency and brokerage, equipment and energy supply, maritime arbitration, ship survey, and so forth. Over the years, the HKSOA has promoted the growth of the industry, commanding the respect and trust of the maritime community at the local, national and global levels.
In November 2025, the HKSOA launched the Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance, an initiative designed to strengthen industry-education integration. It brings together many prestigious organisations and corporations with the shared goal of cultivating a new generation of maritime talent, equipping them with a global perspective of the business world and practical insights into industry operations.
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