HONG KONG Chief Executive CY Leung's has proposed a new "statutory maritime body" this year to enhance the city's status as a maritime centre.

The a measure was recommended by a consultation study the government commissioned last year, he said in the course of announcing new low-sulphur fuel mandates for ships in harbour.

"The government will work out the specific functions, structure and funding of the proposed new body and consult the industry. We will then take forward the necessary legislative procedures as soon as possible," Mr Leung said.

The study, conducted by BMT Asia-Pacific, will be released by the government later.