Hong Kong’s logistics data digital platform has enhanced cargo tracking and cross-border customs clearance in the city, boosting its smart port development, according to officials.

Spearheaded by the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Port Community System (PCS) launched in January allows firms to check real-time information covering cargo receipt, loading, departures, arrivals and customs clearance.

It also sends real-time alerts about shipping delays and temperature anomalies, allowing companies to adjust trading arrangements.

Deputy Secretary for Transport & Logistics Amy Chan Yuen-man said that the industry’s response to the PCS has been highly positive since its launch, with over 6,000 shipping companies, trading firms, freight forwarders and warehousing companies signing up to join the system. 

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They view it as highly cost-effective, Chan said, urging more companies to join and reap the scale benefits of data interconnectivity.

Kazunori Goto, deputy head of air freight forwarding for a Japan-headquartered logistics company which joined the PCS, said it enhances operational efficiency and sidesteps human error.

Before the PCS was introduced, data was scattered across multiple platforms, while staff members lacked real-time visibility and spent significant time reconciling conflicting data, he said.

“The PCS has effectively resolved these challenges. It provides a standardized customs clearance status that interfaces directly with our internal system,” Goto said.

He noted that staff previously had no direct access to customs data from the China International Trade Single Window.

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“With the adoption of the PCS, we can now conveniently obtain this critical data via API (application programming interface) integration. This has not only shortened our operational processing time, but also significantly reduced manual data entry errors.”

The PCS also uses blockchain technology to ensure data safety and prevent unauthorized access, said Simon Wong, chief executive officer of the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, which developed and manages the system.

He said that data recorded includes cargo transfers, document numbers, warehousing, land transport tracking, customs declaration records and operational timestamps.

“Once this information is recorded on the blockchain system, it cannot be altered unilaterally. This provides credible evidence for trade financing, cargo traceability and other logistics services,” Wong said.

Chan said that the bureau is planning a number of pilot programs to expand PCS application scenarios, with nine banks in Hong Kong already recognizing the reliability of PCS data for use “in processes such as risk management, thereby facilitating trade finance.”

“Looking ahead, we will actively explore connecting the PCS with more ports worldwide and international shipping data platforms to further strengthen Hong Kong’s digital connectivity as an international maritime hub,” she said.