Last month, Hong Kong completed its first green methanol bunkering operation, a significant step in its efforts to support the decarbonisation of global shipping. As the maritime industry accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, this milestone signals Hong Kong’s intent to remain relevant.

The global blue economy, defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and environmental health, is gaining urgency. No longer confined to environmental discussions, it is increasingly central to how economies pursue sustainable growth, energy transition and supply chain resilience.

For Hong Kong, the opportunity is timely. As the city recalibrates its economic model in a more complex global environment, the blue economy offers both a strategic anchor and a new growth frontier.

The numbers are compelling. The United Nations places the blue economy’s annual value at between US$3 trillion and US$6 trillion while the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development projects that by 2030, ocean-based industries could outgrow the global economy. These span traditional sectors such as shipping and fisheries, as well as emerging areas like offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology and ocean data services.

Hong Kong is well placed to lead in this space. The city is a top container port, handling close to 13 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, and plays a leading role in high-value maritime services such as ship finance, insurance and arbitration. Tourism is also recovering steadily with 189 cruise ship calls last year, and investment in harbourfront infrastructure from West Kowloon to Kai Tak is strengthening the city’s position as a destination by the sea.

Yet the competitive landscape has shifted. Mainland ports such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou are scaling up rapidly, combining physical expansion with digitalisation and automation. At the same time, global shipping is undergoing a structural change as decarbonisation targets, fuel transitions and a supply chain reconfiguration reshape industry economics.