Hong Kong Sets New Benchmark with Record LNG Bunkering Initiative

Image Credits: CLP/LinkedIn

A recent publication by CLP highlights that Hong Kong has achieved a important milestone with its largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation to date, which also marked the first instance of ship-to-ship refueling while simultaneously handling cargo.

On June 5, at the kwai Tsing Container Terminals, approximately 10,000 cubic meters of LNG were transferred to the Hanoi Express, a container vessel operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG from Germany.This operation was made possible through a collaboration between CLPe and CNOOC Guangdong Water Transport Clean Energy Company Limited. The transfer was executed using Haiyang Shiyou 301, recognized as the world’s largest LNG bunkering and transport vessel owned by CNOOC.

Measuring 184.7 meters in length and 28.1 meters in width, this impressive ship boasts a storage capacity of 30,000 cubic meters and can refuel at an impressive rate of 1,650 cubic meters per hour.

This event not only set records for Hong Kong but also showcased innovative practices in maritime operations as it combined LNG bunkering with cargo loading and unloading activities for the first time in the region. The entire process wrapped up within just one day—an achievement that notably cut down on both turnaround times for vessels and overall operational costs.

Citing data from CNOOC, this operation stands out as Hong Kong’s most extensive single ship-to-ship LNG bunkering mission ever undertaken within its Special Administrative region boundaries. Over an impressive span of just over eight hours, around 4,300 tons of LNG were injected into the container ship while it was actively being loaded and unloaded.

LNG is increasingly recognized as a cleaner choice to customary marine fuels—a crucial factor given that Hong kong serves as a key stopover point for international shipping routes with over 5,000 ocean-going vessels docking each year.

currently holding international bunkering permits across seven Chinese ports—including Shenzhen and Ningbo—CNOOC is well-positioned in this growing market. In November last year, plans were announced for a joint venture between CLPe and CNOOC aimed at enhancing LNG bunkering services in Hong Kong; this recent operation served as an initial pilot project under their partnership framework.

The local government has been proactive about fostering green maritime fuel development; last year saw the release of an Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering followed by new legislation supporting low-emission marine fuels enacted earlier this year.

Mable Chan—the Secretary for Transport and Logistics—attributed much of this success to effective collaboration between CNOOC and CLPe. She emphasized how integrating green fuel operations alongside traditional cargo processes can lead to greater efficiency while reducing emissions—a synergy likely to attract more green fuel initiatives at Hong Kong’s port facilities.

T.K. chiang—the CEO of CLP Holdings—noted that Hong Kong’s strategic location positions it among global leaders in bunker services while underscoring an accelerating shift towards low-carbon fuels worldwide; he believes this operation demonstrates readiness for such transitions within the region.

Wu Wei-hau from Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau highlighted how cooperation between cities like Guangzhou and Hong Kong could enhance competitiveness across Greater Bay Area markets while laying groundwork for future advancements in sustainable practices.

kang Huahua—the CFO at CNOOC Gas & Power Group Co., Ltd.—added that these prosperous operations have significantly bolstered Hong kong’s capabilities regarding LNG supply chains while presenting new models integrating modern shipping systems with eco-friendly port solutions.

A representative from the Hong Kong Seaport Alliance affirmed that these developments confirm their ability to deliver top-tier LNG bunkering services globally.

Reference: CLP