To demonstrate the fusion of Hong Kong's ship financing and leasing with China's comprehensive shipping services, Continental Kapital Shipping has launched the first two of six multi-purpose vessels with a total investment of HK$2 billion.
The two-day launching ceremony was held in Qingdao and Weihai last week, along with the official naming ceremony of two 62,000 DWT general dry cargo vessels built at Huang Hai Shipyard in Shandong Weihai.
The two vessels were named "COSCO Shipping Ji Xiang" and "COSCO Shipping Ru Yi" respectively.
Continental Kapital, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a 50:50 joint venture between local company SeaKapital Holdings and Seacon Shipping Group, a major mainland shipping service provider.
The company said the launch of the two newly built dry cargo multi-purpose vessels is a major milestone of Hong Kong's participation in the entire value chain of China's shipping industry.
The two vessels were also described as embodying Hong Kong's important function as an international ship financing hub and aligned with the central government's strategy to develop the city as an international financial, trade and shipping center.
