The size of the Hong Kong fleet has increased by five times since 1997, through the efforts of the Hong Kong Shipping Register and a series of new measures implemented, said a statement issued Thursday by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

From 1995 to 1997, many shipowners switched their ships' flag from Hong Kong to other flags and the tonnage on the ship register reached a record low of about 5.4 million gross tonnage, said the statement.

"I am pleased to learn that Hong Kong is now ranked one of the top five on the world merchant fleet. I am confident that the Marine Department will keep up its good work and will continue to endeavor to strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center," said Donald Tsang, chief executive of the HKSAR.

Tsang made the remarks when visiting the Marine Department to better understand their work in vessel traffic control, maritime rescue and co-ordination as well as ship registry and safety inspections.