Port Community System
(PCS)
The Seafreight
Sub-committee actively engaged in key initiatives aimed at advancing Hong Kong’s
port and maritime capabilities. A significant highlight was the HAFFA’s
participation in the development of the Port Community System (PCS). A meeting organized
by the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) in collaboration with the Logistics
and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) was held on 15 January 2025. Key
points are set out below:
Maritime
and Port Development Strategy
In December 2023,
the TLB announced the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy,
emphasizing the importance of developing a smart port and a digitalized PCS to
enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s ports. This commitment was
reaffirmed in the 2024 Policy Address by the Chief Executive, who underlined
the goal of completing the PCS installation by the end of 2025.
Current
Status and Need for PCS
At present, there
is no unified platform enabling all stakeholders involved in sea-trade goods
delivery through Hong Kong Port (HKP) to share real-time information regarding
cargo status. Existing systems are fragmented, catering only to specific
segments of the delivery process and failing to encompass all parties.
In contrast, other
major port cities such as Singapore, Rotterdam, and Hamburg have implemented
integrated PCS platforms that facilitate real-time cargo tracking and
information sharing among the port community.
Development
and Pilot Scheme
The Hong Kong
Maritime and Port Board (MPB) established a task force in September 2021 to
explore avenues for smart port development. As part of this initiative, LSCM
has been engaged to construct a data-sharing platform that trials the PCS
concept.
The pilot platform
commenced operations in January 2023 and has successfully tested various cargo
delivery processes, including local imports, cross-border transportation, cold
chain tracking, and multimodal transport. As of 30 November 2024, 92 companies
with 195 user accounts tracked 637 shipments and 998 containers using the
platform.
Proposed
PCS Features and Implementation
The proposed PCS
will serve as a central data exchange platform, offering features such as:
Ø Cargo tracking
Ø Real-time transportation information
Ø Analytical alerts
Ø Value-added electronic services for
goods processed through Hong Kong Ports
In the future, the PCS will
interface with existing tracking systems (including Trade Single Window and
HKIA Cargo Data Platform, etc.) via APIs, ensuring seamless information flow with
minimal disruption to current workflows.
To promote
accessibility, the system will be opened to all companies and individuals,
providing basic functions free of charge, while offering value-added services
for a fee.
In response to
HAFFA’s recommendation for incorporating useful cargo throughput statistics by
destination into the PCS, the TLB will review this proposal for potential
inclusion as a paid value-added service.
Funding
and Implementation Timeline
The Government
plans to seek funding from the Legislative Council in early Q2 2025, aiming to
complete the PCS installation by late 2025. The implementation phase will
extend from 2026 to 2029, gradually increasing capacity to accommodate
additional users.
The TLB has
prioritized inviting HAFFA to participate in the PCS trial, recognizing our
critical role in shaping the future of logistics and maritime operations in
Hong Kong. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that foster innovation
and improve efficiency within the maritime sector.
Please download
the PowerPoint [English]
[中文]
summarizing the key points about the proposed PCS.
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