Hong Kong should learn from the experience of other ports and give greater weight to tested and proven alternatives to building additional facilities when planning its future, a study says.
The study, by Standard & Poor's, said Hong Kong had a sound future which was underlined by its unique position at the centre of dynamic Asian trade and shipping.
'The return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty only strengthens Hong Kong's position as the region's hub for serving the fastest-growing trade area of the world,' it said.
The study said several factors influenced a port's long-term success, including consolidation among ocean carriers, emergence of consortiums, geographical limitations, infrastructure development, expanding regional competition and increasing political involvement.
Other factors included the privatisation of port operations, outside pressure groups, the long-term views of carriers and shippers and improved co-operation between ports.
The study forecast that container trade, in particular, would double every 10 years, and required some careful planning for cost-effective infrastructure investment in port facilities.