Hong Kong to prepare region as leading international maritime centre

The city advances LNG bunkering initiatives, aiming for greener maritime operations by next year.

Hong Kong is gearing up to introduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for ocean-going vessels, aiming to enhance its position as a leading international maritime centre.

According to Lam Sai Hung, Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, the city is in the advanced stages of preparing for this eco-friendly shift. "We will take forward the preparatory work for the LNG bunkering in Hong Kong," he stated.

He indicated that the infrastructure necessary for LNG bunkering could be operational by late this year or early next.

This move is part of Hong Kong's broader strategy to modernise its maritime industry and reduce its environmental footprint. The introduction of LNG bunkering is expected to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels, aligning with global efforts to combat maritime pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Lam highlighted the city's readiness, mentioning the commissioning of an offshore LNG terminal south of Hong Kong by two power companies last year as a foundational step. "This will provide a good basis for us," he elaborated, noting the ongoing efforts to invite LNG companies and suppliers to offer bunkering services in line with local demands.

The shift towards LNG bunkering is seen as a crucial development for the local maritime industry's sustainability goals. While the exact uptake of LNG bunkering services remains uncertain, Lam underscored its importance for maintaining the green status of Hong Kong's ports. 

"More and more LNG vessels will be in service, and we have to meet this demand," he remarked, emphasising the initiative's role in meeting the increasing demand for cleaner marine fuels.

Moreover, Lam pointed out the ongoing legal exercise to upgrade Hong Kong's legislative framework, facilitating the provision of LNG bunkering services. This legal groundwork is crucial for ensuring that the shift towards LNG bunkering is seamless and compliant with international standards and practices.