Hong Kong is giving its maritime waste disposal system a significant overhaul, with new vessels and cranes on the way to modernise the city’s containerised garbage transport network.

Chinese equipment giant Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC) has shipped four specialised ship-to-shore gantry cranes to Hong Kong, designed to support the city’s unique waterborne waste logistics. The compact cranes, each capable of lifting 25.5 tonnes, feature a reach of 22.5 m and modest lift heights tailored for small vessels operating between refuse transfer stations and landfills in the New Territories.

Complementing the crane delivery, five new purpose-built container ships are being constructed at Jiangmen Hangtong Shipyard according to Alphaliner. The fleet will include a 120 teu geared vessel for smaller island RTS and a larger 216 teu gearless type for the main hubs. The 120 teu Mo Sing Leng II (pictured) has already completed sea trials.

Hong Kong’s waste is compacted into custom 20-foot containers at four main sites before being shipped to landfill sites. Seven smaller stations serve outlying islands, with existing vessels equipped with mobile gantries to compensate for limited infrastructure.