>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Maiden voyage of HK registered ship after return to China The Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, this (Tuesday) morning welcomed the first Hong Kong-registered ship on her maiden voyage to the territory since Hong Kong's return to China. Speaking on the occasion to commemorate the maiden voyage of a new container ship, OOCL Singapore, Mr Dale said that he was particularly pleased that the OOCL Singapore was the first Hong Kong registered ship to make her maiden voyage here since our return to China on July 1. Noting that Hong Kong has a long history in ship registration, Mr Dale said, "With our return of sovereignty to China, there is no change to the Hong Kong Shipping Register except the colours of the flags that fly at the stern of our ships." He believes the Hong Kong Shipping Register is recognised as a quality register world-wide and has enjoyed considerable support. The Hong Kong Shipping Register ranked 14th largest register in the world in 1996. Mr Dale said that as a responsible maritime administration, the Marine Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region continued to try to improve its services to the shipping community, including that of the shipping register. He pointed out that the Hong Kong Shipping Register was currently leading the way, and would continue to operate successfully with the support of clients. Grateful to the Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) Group which has been a key supporter to the Hong Kong Shipping Register for many years, Mr Dale revealed that the register has nine container ships owned by the OOCL amounting to almost 400,000 gross registered tons. "Apart from being the first Hong Kong registered ship to make her maiden voyage to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the OOCL Singapore, a container ship of over 66,000 gross registered tonnage, is also the largest of the first four ocean-going ships to join the Hong Kong Shipping Register since July 1," said Mr Dale. He said, "This demonstrates confidence in Hong Kong as a world shipping centre and a quality shipping register." Mr Dale added that he understood the OOCL Group had plans to place more newbuildings on the Hong Kong Shipping Register when they were completed next year and he looked forward to the arrival of these ships with pleasure. Tuesday, September 9, 1997
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