LNG bunkering in Hong Kong becomes a reality

The Group’s LNG bunkering vessel supplied 2,200 tons of cryogenic LNG to the “ZIM AQUAMARINE”, an LNG dual-fuel containership.

The operation was attended by the Hong Kong Government’s Transport and Logistics Bureau, Environment and Ecology Bureau, Marine Department, and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association; the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission, Transport Bureau, Commerce Bureau, and Yantian District People’s Government, along with representatives from shipping and energy sectors across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

LNG, a clean energy source, demonstrates significant advantages in environmental protection, energy efficiency, and safety. When compared to conventional marine fuel, LNG usage results in a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, and almost complete elimination of sulfur emissions. Hong Kong, ranking as the world’s seventh-largest bunkering port and situated in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, serves as a vital hub for international trade flows.

Speaking at the accompanying ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan, said: “The HKSAR Government seized the opportunity to publish the Action Plan for Green Bunkering  in November last year to address the growing market demand for these [green]fuels and echo the country’s green shipping strategy. 

“Since the promulgation of the Action Plan, the response from the industry at home and abroad has been very positive, with companies at different stages of the green bunker supply chain expressing their interest in developing in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is China’s most highly internationalized city, but also the world’s freest economy, and is the best choice for everyone to expand their business, I hereby invite different enterprises at home and abroad to actively consider coming to Hong Kong to carry out green bunkering related business.

“Open and flexible” has always been synonymous with Hong Kong, and the bunkering market is no exception. Service operators are allowed to provide bunkering services in Hong Kong waters as long as they complete quantitative risk assessments and marine traffic impact assessments, etc., and ensure that bunkering operations are safe and meet legal requirements.” 

The Marine Department has also set up a task force to provide one-stop services to green shipping-related organisations interested in setting up in Hong Kong.