【Heavy】2026 “First Year” of Hong Kong Ships Heading North: Full Interpretation of the January Trial Plan + Overview of Yacht/Sea Fishing Events of the Year
If 2024-2025 is the explosive period of “Hong Kong vehicles going north”, then 2026 is very likely to be the first year of “Hong Kong and ship going north”. As the final piece of the puzzle of water transport policies in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is about to be put together, there are rumors in the maritime industry that a groundbreaking pilot plan will be implemented in January 2026. For Hong Kong ship owners, this not only means expanding their sailing territory, but also a complete change in their lifestyle.
From the policy ice-breaking in January, to the mid-year sea fishing pinnacle race, to the luxury yacht show at the end of the year, Voy.hk will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the sailing opportunities in 2026, helping you plan ahead and become the first batch of “trendsetters” in the Greater Bay Area.
Part 1: Policy Preview – What to Expect in January 2026?
According to recent briefings by the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration and relevant departments, the industry generally predicts that January 2026 will usher in a substantial upgrade of “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Yacht Free Travel” (version 2.0). The core changes may focus on the following three points:
1. The “no guarantee” policy has been fully implemented
In the past, Hong Kong yachts entering mainland waters were often regarded as “imports of goods”, and ship owners were required to pay a huge deposit of up to 30%-40% of the ship price, which has always been the biggest obstacle. The new policy is expected to officially implement the normalization of “yacht guarantee-free” at pilot ports such as Shenzhen and Zhuhai in January. This means that you will no longer need to freeze millions of cash when you sail north on a 1000k yacht, and the cost of sailing is almost zero.
2. Digitization of “Two Places Licence” Procedures (Single Window)
Referring to the successful experience of “Hong Kong Vehicles Going North”, the Marine Department expects to launch a unified digital declaration platform. Ship owners no longer need to submit paper documents to Customs, Border Inspection and Maritime Administration as before. Through the “Single Window”, you can apply for temporary navigation permits and berthing reservations in the waters of the Greater Bay Area with one click, and the approval time is expected to be shortened from 7 days to 48 hours.
3. Breakthrough in the mutual recognition mechanism of licences
For Hong Kong’s Class 1/Class 2 Pleasure Boat Operator Certificate (PVOL), the Mainland Maritime Safety Bureau may launch a “short-term supplementary training” course. Hong Kong boat owners only need to complete about 1-2 days of regulatory courses at designated institutions (such as maritime training centers in Shenzhen or Zhuhai) to redeem the yacht driving qualifications common in the Greater Bay Area without the need to re-take the license examination.
🚀 Voy.hk Exclusive Tips:
If the January policy is announced as scheduled, the first batch of places is bound to “collapse”. We recommend that members start checking the vessel’s AIS system (which must support the Mainland frequency band) and vessel insurance (with the addition of the China Waters Clause) now to ensure that the policy is eligible as soon as the gates are opened.
Part 2: In-depth preview of the 2026 event
Policies open the way, activities sing. Once customs clearance is facilitated, the following four top events in the Greater Bay Area will be the best stage for Hong Kong ship owners to showcase their love for ships and make connections.
【Spring April】Shenzhen Bay International Boat Show: Technology and Green Sailing
Location: Shenzhen Bay Yacht Club (SMC) / Shekou Cruise Home Port
This is not a traditional “boat show”, but a bellwether for yacht technology in Asia. The focus of the 2026 exhibition will be “New Energy Power”. You can witness the latest domestic and imported electric yachts, hydrogen power systems and intelligent automatic berthing technology. For Hong Kong ship owners who like to modify and upgrade electronic equipment, here is the most complete supply chain display in China.
【Summer June】Wanshan Islands International Sea Fishing Open: Decisive battle with Kuroshio
Location: Zhuhai Wanshan Islands (Guishan Island, Dongao Island waters)
June is the prime season for the warm current “Kuroshio” to flow through the waters of the mountains, and it is also the peak season for Mahi Mahi, Marlin and giant tuna. This competition is the highest prize money and the most stringent deep-sea trolling event in the Greater Bay Area.
- Hong Kong Ship Owner Advantage: The Wanshan Islands are only 10-20 nautical miles from Hong Kong waters, and Hong Kong ship owners occupy the geographical advantage.
- Voy support: We will organize the “Hong Kong Sea Fishing Team” to arrange for nanny boats to deliver ice, live bait, and provide daily satellite images of the fish.
【Autumn October】Nansha Bay Yacht Life Festival: Classics and Fine Wine
Location: Nansha Marina, Guangzhou
Different from Shenzhen’s sense of technology, Nansha focuses on “British butler culture”. This is a carnival suitable for the whole family. Highlights include a classical sailing cruise and water concerts. Nansha Yacht Club, with a background in the Fok Ying Tung Group, is the only clubhouse in China to win the “Hardware Anchor” award, and its catering and service standards are extremely high, making it an excellent place to enjoy weekend staycation.
【Winter November】Macao International Yacht Import and Export Expo: A Night of Luxury
Location: Macau Coloane Yacht Mooring Area
The grand finale of the year. Benefiting from the “Yacht Free Travel”, Hong Kong vessels can apply for direct flights to Macau to participate in the exhibition. The annual presentations of top brands such as Sunseeker, Azimut, Ferretti are gathered here. The VIP party in the evening is even more celebrity, making it a top occasion for expanding business connections.
Part 3: Why You Can’t Miss 2026?
If you miss out on 2026, you will not miss a few events, but a golden window for asset appreciation and maintenance cost optimization.
- Halve the cost of boat maintenance: Take advantage of the opportunity to go north to carry out annual upholstery, bottom washing and engine maintenance in Zhuhai or Zhongshan, with labor costs only 1/2 of Hong Kong.
- Berth Solution: Hong Kong’s typhoon shelters are becoming increasingly crowded, and after customs clearance in the north, Zhuhai Guishan Island and Nansha will become the “second home ports” for Hong Kong ships, completely solving berth anxiety.
Want to get the application form for the “Hong Kong Ships Going North” in January as soon as possible?
Policies are changing rapidly, and quotas are fleeting. Pay attention to Voy.hk, we will send lazy bags and agency guidelines to subscribers on the day the policy is announced.
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