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Hong Kong announces green bunkering incentive scheme for LNG and methanol

Companies which are interested in and capable of bunkering LNG and/or green methanol are eligible for the scheme and maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognised fuel is HKD 2mil.

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Hong Kong announces green bunkering incentive scheme for LNG and methanol

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Monday (June 30) announced the launch of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to facilitate the development of Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering centre.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2025. Under the key policy drive of the IMO, the international maritime industry is now undergoing an irreversible green transformation, and the use of low- or even zero-carbon fuels is quickly gaining popularity. 

To complement and encourage the green transformation of the shipping industry, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on November 15, 2024, setting out clear targets, five green-centric strategies and 10 actions to support the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. One of the actions proposed in the Action Plan is to set up a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme, which serves to encourage pioneer companies to develop green maritime fuel bunkering business in Hong Kong. 

Considering that certain investments in preparatory work, including risk assessments by companies, are required before carrying out green maritime fuel bunkering, and the pioneer companies will help kick-start the industry development by paving the way and accumulating invaluable experience, incentives will be granted to these companies. 

Under the current tranche of the Scheme, which targets liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green methanol, an incentive of HKD 500,000 will be granted to each pioneer company for each of its first two LNG or green methanol bunkering operations completed within one year from the MD’s acceptance of its risk assessment. 

Pioneer companies that have already completed the relevant assessments and/or bunkering operations before the Scheme launch are also eligible to receive incentives under the Scheme. The maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognised green maritime fuel is HKD 2,000,000 (USD 254,780), and incentives will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

A spokesperson for the MD, said: “Hong Kong, China, as an associate member of the IMO, has long been committed to supporting the IMO’s emission reduction target.

“At the same time, the development of green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities in Hong Kong will allow us to capitalise on the existing unique advantages of our port, including our location at the southernmost tip of China next to the international fairway, to maintain our positioning as a major bunkering port and international maritime centre.

“The Scheme will help encourage pioneer enterprises to start green maritime fuel bunkering businesses in Hong Kong early, as well as help level the playing field between pioneers and late joiners.

“The MD has established a dedicated team that provides one-stop services to companies interested in setting up green shipping-related businesses in Hong Kong. At the same time, we also provide clear guidelines and support to companies interested in conducting green maritime fuel bunkering operations in Hong Kong, to facilitate their smooth completion of the relevant assessments and pre-bunkering procedures.”

The application form of the Scheme has been uploaded onto the MD’s website. Application forms will also be provided to relevant applicant companies by the Green Maritime Fuel Team of the MD upon request. 

Note: Details are set out in the Introduction of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme in the Annex. For details, please contact the Green Maritime Fuel Team of the MD via email: [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Hong Kong’s Marine Department
Published: 1 July, 2025

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Singapore-based ONE celebrates maiden voyage of methanol-and-ammonia ready boxship

Following the successful deployment of “ONE Singapore” and its sister vessels, “ONE Solidarity” will be deployed on the Mediterranean Pacific South 2 (MS2) service.

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Singapore-based ONE celebrates maiden voyage of methanol-and-ammonia ready boxship

Singapore-based container shipping company Ocean Network Express (ONE) on Thursday (3 July) said it celebrated the maiden voyage of containership ONE Solidarity as the ship made its first-ever arrival in Shekou, China. 

“As one of our S-series methanol and ammonia ready container vessels, ONE Solidarity is another demonstration of ONE’s commitment to sustainable shipping,” the company said in a social media post. 

Following the successful deployment of ONE Singapore and its sister vessels, ONE Solidarity will be deployed on the Mediterranean Pacific South 2 (MS2) service. 

“Her deployment will boost our service capacity, ensuring faster, more reliable, and highly efficient shipping offerings across key global trade lanes,” the company added.

 

Photo credit: Ocean Network Express
Published: 3 July, 2026

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“Lucia Cosulich” enters final preparation ahead of bunkering operations

Following delivery of the ship in China, it will now enter the final preparation phase ahead of its next operational steps, strengthening Fratelli Cosulich’s ability to provide reliable bunkering solutions.

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“Lucia Cosulich” enters final preparation ahead of bunkering operations

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Thursday (2 July) celebrated the delivery of Lucia Cosulich at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China.

The vessel is the second of four sister methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers developed within the Group’s fleet expansion programme and follows the launching ceremony held on 2 May 2026.

Designed to support the Group’s bunkering operations and future fuel requirements, Lucia Cosulich is part of the new generation of vessels developed by Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy to combine operational reliability, safety and fuel flexibility.

Lucia Cosulich will now enter the final preparation phase ahead of its next operational steps, further strengthening the Group’s ability to provide reliable bunkering solutions.

“We wish Lucia Cosulich and her crew fair winds on the next stage of her journey,” the company said. 

Related: Fratelli Cosulich launches second methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 3 July, 2026

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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

In total, 137 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in the first half of 2026 compared to 155 in the same period in 2025.

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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 15 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in June 2026.

This consisted of 10 orders for LNG-fuelled vessels, nine of which were car carriers and one a CO2 carrier. The remaining five orders were for LPG/ethane carriers.

Two LNG-bunker vessels were also ordered in June, bringing the total in this segment to seven so far in 2026.

In total, 137 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in the first half of 2026, down 11.6% from 155 in the same period in 2025. 

Over half of these (73) were for LNG-fuelled vessels, with most coming from the container (42) and car carrier (21) segments. LPG/ethane carriers were also prominent, with 55 new orders, a significant uptick compared to the first half of 2025 (15). The remaining orders were for vessels fuelled by methanol (2), ethanol (2), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).

Deliveries in the first half of the year point to continued uptake of alternative-fuelled tonnage across several segments, with 61 LNG-fuelled vessels and 38 methanol-fuelled vessels delivered so far in 2026.

More recently, Exmar took delivery of what it described as the first oceangoing dual-fuel ammonia vessel, marking a step beyond earlier ammonia-fuelled deliveries, which have largely been associated with pilot or demonstration projects rather than commercial deployment.

DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “What we can take away from the first half of 2026, in terms of the alternative-fuels orderbook, is that we have a market progressing at different speeds depending on segment economics, fuel availability, and the regulatory landscape. Shipowners and other stakeholders are pursuing different pathways based on their individual priorities and requirements.

“LNG remains the leading near-term fuel option, with order activity continuing to be led by containers and car carriers. LPG and ethane carriers have also accounted for a significant share of activity in the first half of the year, while developments in areas such as ammonia and ethanol show that multiple pathways continue to be explored.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 3 July, 2026

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