As you may be aware, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), under the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF), launched the Maritime Services Traineeship Scheme (MSTS) – Legal in 2023 and the MSTS – Marine Insurance in 2025. These schemes are intended to encourage law firms, barristers’ chambers, insurance companies and insurance brokerage firms engaged in maritime business to offer traineeship opportunities to individuals aspiring to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

To further enhance government support for talent development, the TLB is exploring the potential expansion of the MSTS to other sectors within the maritime industry. We would be grateful for your views in this regard.

Based on your knowledge and experience, which high value-added maritime service sectors, apart from legal and marine insurance, are currently experiencing workforce shortages and would benefit from additional support to develop local talent?

Examples may include ship management, shipbroking and ship leasing. In particular, which sector do you consider would benefit most from the introduction of a new MSTS scheme?

We would highly appreciate it if you could send your response to us by the 21st of August.

Many thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you.