The concept was for a cable-stayed bridge with a twin aerodynamic deck suspended from two 295m-high single pole towers.

These towers have bases measuring 24m x 18m tapering to 7m diameter at the top, and the deck allows a navigation clearance of 73.5m over the full entrance to the Container Port.

The original concept had a conventional steel structure above level +175m but Arup found that this configuration would be too lively and lead to unacceptable vibrations of the stay cables.

For reasons of durability and to enhance the appearance, further studies concluded that the tower skin should be fabricated from a duplex stainless steel (grade 1.4462 to BSEN10088) with a shot peened surface finish.

Geotechnical centrifuge testing was conducted using a 1:200 scale model of a vessel bow section and seawall within a container.

The Hong Kong region is susceptible to very strong typhoon winds, a fact that was taken into account in the design of the bridge.

In October 2002 a 50 m (160 ft) mast was erected at the site to measure the speed, direction and turbulence of winds in the area.