Hong Kong Launches LNG Bunkering Operations to Fuel Ships

Officials in Hong Kong are celebrating the commencement of bunkering operations to fuel LNG ships, marking a significant milestone for the port. This move enhances the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s port, joining other major ports in the region such as Singapore and Shanghai in offering LNG bunkering services.

Kunlun Energy Co., a subsidiary of PetroChina, successfully conducted the first official bunkering operation on February 14 at the southern anchorage of Cheung Chau in Hong Kong. The company’s bunker vessel supplied 2,200 tons of ultra-low temperature LNG to the Zim Aquamarine, a 7,000 TEU vessel, in approximately seven hours. This refueling will sustain the ship’s fuel requirements for its voyage between the Far East and the Mediterranean.

The bunkering service provided by Kunlun Energy Co. features a vessel equipped with advanced facilities, including two independent “C”-type cargo tanks with a capacity of 8,500 cubic meters. Customers can benefit from a range of services such as cold storage, degassing, and LNG bunkering in a seamless and efficient manner.

Following a successful test bunkering with another Zim vessel, Zim Amber, the official inauguration of the bunkering operations in Hong Kong signifies a strategic move towards supplying 200,000 tons of green fuels annually by 2030. PetroChina’s data indicates a growing supply of gas to Hong Kong, with LNG bunkering being a notable addition to their services.

With the establishment of LNG bunkering infrastructure in over 100 ports globally, the maritime industry is witnessing a rapid adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. SEA-LNG reports that LNG bunkering capabilities are available in 96 ports, with 55 more ports gearing up to facilitate LNG bunkering investments and operations.

The growth of the LNG bunker fleet is remarkable, with DNV reporting 65 supply ships currently in operation compared to just six in 2019. Additionally, there are 16 LNG bunker vessels on order, reflecting the increasing demand for LNG bunkering services. Europe and Asia each account for about a third of the LNG bunker fleet, with the Americas following at 17 percent.

With over 650 LNG-fueled vessels worldwide, the industry is poised for further expansion, expecting the fleet size to double by 2033. Hong Kong’s entry into LNG bunkering operations aligns with global trends towards cleaner and more sustainable marine fuel alternatives.