Overview
Lawrence Shum Honoured with "Outstanding Contribution Award" by Yantian District CPPCC
Shenzhen–Hong Kong LNG bunkering partnership launched: mutual gains for both cities
Chongqing–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Service: 2 days to YANTIAN, 3 Days to Hong Kong, a model of win-win cooperation
In logistics, speed is the ultimate edge. As tariff regulations grow increasingly complex, agility and precision in delivery have never been more critical. YANTIAN now operates 32 rail-sea services, enabling our customers to ship swiftly and seamlessly. (See full details at the end of this post.)
From April 16 to 17, the 5th Session of the 6th Yantian District CPPCC Committee convened in Shenzhen. Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN and a Standing Committee Member of the CPPCC Yantian District, was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Contribution Award. This recognition not only underscores Mr. Shum's exemplary public service, but also speaks to YANTIAN's leadership in driving Shenzhen–Hong Kong collaboration with a global outlook and forward-thinking execution.
Excerpt from Shenzhen Evening News, April 17
[Lawrence Shum, Standing Committee Member of the Yantian District CPPCC, Receives "Outstanding Contribution Award": Advancing Shenzhen–Hong Kong Connectivity to Power a Global Maritime Hub]
Mr. Lawrence Shum has actively submitted policy proposals focused on Shenzhen–Hong Kong collaboration, multimodal transport, and port development. Notable submissions include: Charting a Green Blueprint for Port and Shipping Logistics to Support Shenzhen's Emergence as a Global Maritime Hub, Strengthening Rail-Sea Service to Advance the Green Transformation of the Transportation Sector, and Empowering Yantian's Shipping and Logistics to Usher in a New Era of Excellence in the Core Area. Among which the Strengthening Rail-Sea Service to Advance the Green Transformation of the Transportation Sector was selected for inclusion in the CPPCC Report on Public Opinion and Policy Suggestions, with many of his proposals already being implemented.
Shenzhen and Hong Kong leverage their complementary strengths to harness the power of "triple connectivity" for win-win outcomes
Since YANTIAN completed South China's first LNG bunkering operation in November 2022, Lawrence Shum has worked through multiple channels to promote the deployment of Shenzhen's LNG bunkering vessels to serve vessels in Hong Kong—seeking to leverage complementary advantages and foster win-win cooperation between the two cities.
In 2023, during a joint visit to the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau with leaders from the Shenzhen CPPCC, Lawrence Shum was the first to propose deepening Shenzhen–Hong Kong cooperation on LNG bunkering—specifically, allowing Shenzhen-based LNG bunkering vessels to operate in Hong Kong waters. This initiative aimed to quickly boost Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international shipping centre while also expanding Shenzhen's footprint in the global maritime LNG bunkering market.
Thanks to his efforts, Hong Kong's first LNG bunkering operation took place in February this year. The bunkering vessel and the LNG it carried were both from Shenzhen, while the operation was conducted in Hong Kong waters—a vivid testament to the cities' shared vision and seamless cooperation.
In July 2023, Lawrence Shum also proposed the innovative concept of a Chongqing–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Service. With strong support from stakeholders including the Chongqing Port and Logistics Office, Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, China Railway Chengdu and China Railway Guangzhou, Shenzhen Transport Bureau, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau, Shenzhen Port Group, and DB Schenker, the concept moved from vision to reality in just two months.
By leveraging the combined network strengths of Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port and Shenzhen's Yantian Port, the express service enhances the speed and efficiency of cargo flows between the Chengdu–Chongqing region and global markets, establishing a seamless rail-sea corridor linking Chongqing, Shenzhen (Yantian), and Hong Kong. Since its launch, it has been widely recognised across all three regions. Lawrence Shum continues to focus on optimising the corridor's efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness—key goals for the sustainable development of this green logistics channel.
On August 20, 2024, the Chongqing–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Service was officially launched, further unlocking the advantages of cross-mainland port collaboration. This stable, high-efficiency green channel now shortens transit times from Chongqing to Yantian Port to just 2 days, and to Kwai Tsing Port to just 3 days, enabling faster outbound connections to global markets for inland foreign trade enterprises.
The Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau has affirmed the importance of both the Chongqing–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Service and the Kwai Tsing–YANTIAN Connect—an initiative that strengthens operational synergy between Kwai Tsing Port and YANTIAN. Feeder services between YANTIAN and Hong Kong have been running for over 31 years, with container throughput achieving consistent year-on-year growth. In 2024, the volume of laden containers surged nearly 30%, setting new records alongside total annual feeder throughput. In the first quarter of this year, feeder volumes rose by nearly 10% year-on-year, while the number of laden containers shipping between YANTIAN and Hong Kong increased by over 20%. These figures underscore the solid foundation laid for the continued development of Yantian District and the broader Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area, and vividly illustrate the strength of Shenzhen–Hong Kong collaboration, complementarity, and shared success.
"This award is both an affirmation and an encouragement," said Lawrence Shum after receiving the honour. "I view it as a new starting point—a motivator to continue fulfilling my duties as a CPPCC member. I will remain focused on my sector, strengthen the Shenzhen–Hong Kong connection, and contribute to Yantian District's goal of becoming the core of a global maritime centre, while supporting Shenzhen's drive to build a globally influential logistics hub."
In his acceptance remarks, Lawrence Shum outlined three key areas for deepening cooperation: a) "hard connectivity" through the effective integration of infrastructure; b) "soft connectivity" via regulatory systems and operational mechanisms; c) "heart-to-heart connectivity" through stronger people-to-people ties between the two cities. "I believe that with shared confidence and tireless effort, Yantian Port and Kwai Tsing Port will shine together on the global maritime map. Together, we will make even greater contributions to Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation, to the development of the Greater Bay Area, and to the high-quality growth of China's international trade. The road ahead is long, but progress lies in perseverance."
Reported by Li Xian, Shenzhen Evening News
Further reading:
In 2024, the Ministry of Transport, the National Railway Administration, and China Railway Group jointly released the "Exemplary Cases of Developing Container Rail-Sea Intermodal Brand Services". YANTIAN's "Chongqing-Shenzhen Scheduled Service" was successfully selected, making it one of the 12 nationwide cases recognised for its success.
As tariff policies grow increasingly unpredictable, the ability to respond swiftly and capitalise on narrow shipping windows has become more crucial than ever. As the only port in Shenzhen with direct railway access, YANTIAN now operates 32 rail-sea services, offering international trade enterprises across inland provinces a stable, efficient, and low-carbon logistics solution. These services are seamlessly integrated with YANTIAN's premium international shipping services—enabling customers to ship just in time, whether to avoid new tariffs or meet tight exemption deadlines.
🌟We boast the most extensive services to Europe and US in South China, with an average of 4 services to Europe and 6 services to US daily, complemented by over 10 cross-border e-commerce express shipping services.
🌟Our services cover a myriad of overseas destinations, offering hundreds of weekly services globally.
🌟As the last-port-of-call for most services from China, we ensure the quickest delivery of cargoes to their destination ports (12.5 days to the USW, 11 days to Australia).
🌟We have efficient operational capabilities and a favourable customs clearance environment.
YANTIAN continues to collaborate closely with partners across industries to embrace new quality productive forces, while consistently advancing digitalization, automation, and green transformation. Through collective efforts to strengthen both domestic connectivity and global integration, YANTIAN is committed to: accelerating Shenzhen's development into a globally influential logistics hub, strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong's position as a premier international shipping centre, boosting the global competitiveness of the Greater Bay Area, contributing to the high-quality growth of China's international trade, and ensuring the resilience and seamless flow of global industrial and supply chains.