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Veteran Ship Mechanic Adapts Amid Hong Kong's Industry Decline

4/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

David Chan, a ship machinery maintenance master in Hong Kong's Aberdeen, has worked since the 1960s.
He began as an apprentice in Ap Lei Chau and moved to Po Chong Wan in the late 1980s.
As the fishing industry declined, Chan shifted to repairing machinery for steel fleets and passenger vessels.
With fewer than 30 workshops still operating, he plans to work a few more years after investing HK$13,000 (US$1,660) in a digital meter for his lathe.

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Story summary

David Chan, a ship machinery maintenance master in Hong Kong's Aberdeen, has worked since the 1960s.
He began as an apprentice in Ap Lei Chau and moved to Po Chong Wan in the late 1980s.
As the fishing industry declined, Chan shifted to repairing machinery for steel fleets and passenger vessels.
With fewer than 30 workshops still operating, he plans to work a few more years after investing HK$13,000 (US$1,660) in a digital meter for his lathe.