Hong Kong’s Hactl links up with local inland terminal operator

Hong Kong-based airport ground handling group Hactl is developing logistics links around the world’s number one airfreight hub after signing a memorandam of understanding (MoU) with Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (CKS), a local ferry and inland terminal operator.
Hactl Development Holdings Ltd (HDHL) – the business development arm of the Hactl Group – signed the MoU with CKS, a Hong Kong listed company.
CKS manages the largest high-speed passenger ferry fleet in Hong Kong and is also one of the largest inland terminal and logistics operators in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, with bases covering 20 cities, including Zhaoqing, Qingyuan, Foshan, Guangzhou and Jiangmen.
CKS also manages and operates several bulk cargo berths in the Hong Kong Public Cargo Working Areas, and owns a private wharf in Tuen Mun, together with more than twenty cargo terminals in the PRD region, through its subsidiaries.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (Hactl) operates the main airfreight terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which handled just under 4.4m tonnes in 2015, a 0.1% rise on prior year.
Hactl said that the objective of the MoU is to “explore the joint development of logistics links and infrastructure in and around Hong Kong International Airport and the PRD region, supporting the air cargo sector”.
The cooperation aims to “leverage CKS’ comprehensive logistics network” and Hactl’s expertise in operating at the key air cargo hub.
CKS and Hactl, the latter through its logistics subsidiary Hacis, were formerly partners in Hong Kong’s Marine Cargo Terminal.
Following the signing, CKS and Hactl will form a working group whose first task will be to conduct a feasibility study focusing on opportunities within Hactl’s existing air cargo business in HKIA, and CKS’ logistics business in Hong Kong and the PRD region.
Xiong Gebing, chairman and managing director of CKS, said: “This MoU with HDHL provides us with a welcome opportunity to work more closely with the leading force in air cargo handling in Hong Kong.
“This new agreement will see us diversify and develop our group’s logistics activities, while helping to underpin the status of Hong Kong International Airport as the world’s largest air cargo hub.”
HDHL chairman, Mark Whitehead, added: “We are open to all forms of cooperation with CKS related to air cargo operations in the PRD region, and the collaboration could involve Hactl, Hacis, HDHL or all three companies.”
Picture: HDHL MD Tony Cho (front left) signs the MoU with CKS Chief Business Development Officer Danny Wu (front right) observed by senior management of both companies: (rear L to R) Hactl Advisor Jimmy Chan, Chief Operating Officer Tan Chee Hong and Executive Director Vivien Lau; CKS Director & Vice General Manager Roger Cheng, and Chu Kong Transhipment & Logistics Co., Ltd MD Ying Zhenyu.