Yacht industry cheers new anchorages, urging development of more supporting facilities

Hong Kong will establish five additional anchorages for overnight yachts as outlined in the latest policy address, while industry representatives urge the development of more supporting facilities.

The Marine Department is planning to allow foreign yachts to navigate freely within Hong Kong waters without having to reserve a berth in advance, starting from the second half of 2026.

Lawrence Chow, chairman of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA), praised the initiatives as positive initial steps to address the limited yacht berthing facilities in the city.

Chow noted that few foreign yachts have stayed overnight in Hong Kong due to a shortage of berths, and believes the new measure will attract more tourists to sail to the city for leisure. 

He added that the new anchorages will require more supporting facilities, such as landing points, onshore toilets, and garbage collection stations.

Authorities are collaborating with eight institutions in the mainland to introduce the local waters knowledge assessment, enabling captains to take the exam before arriving in Hong Kong.

Separately, lawmaker Benson Luk Hon-man emphasized that since several anchorages are located near popular tourism hotspots, shore-transfer facilities should be enhanced to attract tourists to come ashore for sightseeing and consumption. 

He also suggested that the authorities evaluate nearby attractions to organize water activities such as island-hopping tours for tourists.