The Hong Kong government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on 15 November to set out clear strategies and actions to promote the development of Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering centre.
The Action Plan includes several key targets. These include aligning with the IMO’s emission reduction target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
In addition, it aims to reduce carbon emissions from Hong Kong-registered ships by at least 11% by 2026, compared to 2019 levels.
Furthermore, the plan sets a target for 55% of diesel-fuelled vessels in the government fleet to switch to green maritime fuels by 2026. The goal is also to reduce carbon emissions from the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals by 30% by 2026.
By 2030, 7% of Hong Kong-registered ships should use green maritime fuels.
To achieve these targets, the Action Plan outlines five strategies and ten actions. These focus on the supply of green maritime fuels, infrastructure, port emissions reduction, incentives, international collaboration, and talent training.
The plan suggests developing bunkering for multiple green maritime fuels.
Additionally, Hong Kong will also facilitate offtake agreements between fuel suppliers, mainly from the Mainland, and shipping companies to establish a reliable supply chain. The government will provide various support measures to develop the green maritime fuel bunkering ecosystem.
The government has identified a land parcel near the port for green maritime fuel storage. It plans to invite industry expressions of interest in developing the site.
Hong Kong will also support the first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering demonstration, expected by mid-2025. Additionally, a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme will encourage early businesses to start operations in Hong Kong.
By 2030, the government expects Hong Kong to provide over 60 bunkering services per year to ocean-going vessels using green maritime fuels, such as LNG or green methanol. This will involve over 200,000 tonnes of green maritime fuels annually.
This Action Plan demonstrates the Hong Kong Government’s commitment to developing green maritime fuel bunkering. It provides clear directions and action targets to help Hong Kong stay in line with international green shipping trends. We will work with industry stakeholders to implement these actions and make Hong Kong the preferred green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the region.
…said Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics.
In his 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive had announced plans to develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre. The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), in collaboration with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, began a feasibility study. Together, they formulated the Action Plan based on international experience and current market trends, in consultation with the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB) and industry stakeholders.
