Transshipment hub · Hong Kong SAR China
Port of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a transshipment hub on the South China Sea in Hong Kong SAR China (East Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Hong Kong SAR China
- UN/LOCODE
- HKHKG
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- East Asia
- Waters
- South China Sea
- Coordinates
- 22.33°N, 114.12°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 14.3 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- 香港港
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 690 nm
About the port of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing terminals form one of Asia’s historic transshipment hubs. Although volumes have declined as the nearby Shenzhen and Guangzhou ports grew, Hong Kong remains an important relay point for South China and for feeder services from northern Vietnam.
Hong Kong works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Hong Kong handled approximately 14.3 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Phong → Hong Kong | 690 | 2–3 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Hong Kong | 940 | 2–3 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Hong Kong that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Hong Kong
Where is the port of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is in Hong Kong SAR China, on the South China Sea, in the East Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hong Kong?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Hong Kong is HKHKG. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Hong Kong?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 940 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 2–3 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Hong Kong?
According to published rankings, Hong Kong handled approximately 14.3 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Hong Kong?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Hong Kong?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Hong Kong through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.