With the support of Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and Yantian Frontier Inspection, Yantian Port has launched the whitelist management mechanism for the one-time pilotage in Mirs Bay. This initiative is able to allow container vessels to enjoy faster and more convenient pilotage services, improve berth utilisation, and help customers save time and costs. 

Under the framework Shenzhen-Hong Kong pilotage cooperation, the Shenzhen Pilotage Station handles pilotage applications of vessels, and is responsible for arranging and assigning pilotage. The two sides independently assign pilots with pilotage qualification recognised by both Shenzhen and Hong Kong to complete pilotage tasks. Prior to the introduction of whitelist management mechanism, it took 1.5 hours per voyage for the Hong Kong pilots to go through entry and exit procedures. On September 22, the whitelist management scheme was officially launched, which shortens the clearance time to 20 minutes by entering the pilot information into the whitelist at the time of first entry and remote video inspection.

This scheme not only optimises the clearance procedures for dedicated pilotage personnel and reduces the waiting time of Hong Kong pilots, but also minimises contact between people. As a result, the staying-at-port time of vessels is effectively shortened, the punctuality of vessel departure and the berth utilisation rate are further improved.

The unique geographical location of the Greater Bay Area makes the shipping industry one of the pillars for its economic development. Therefore, maritime authorities in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau need to work together to protect the safety of water traffic and promote the green development of the industry.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong pilotage cooperation
is an important breakthrough in the integrated development of port and shipping industries in the Greater Bay Area.
It can promote the efficient and convenient flow of vessels, 
facilitate smooth logistics flow in the Greater Bay Area,
and empower the quality growth of ports as well as 
the development of an international transportation and logistics hub,
making contributions to the prosperity of China.