CLPe and CNOOC have successfully completed Hong Kong’s first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation conducted simultaneously with cargo handling (SIMOPS). The milestone marks a significant step forward in positioning Hong Kong as a green marine fuel hub while enhancing operational efficiency at one of its key port terminals.
Hong Kong – 10 June 2025 — In a major leap forward for Hong Kong’s maritime and energy sectors, CLPe and CNOOC Guangdong Water Transport Clean Energy Company Limited (CNOOC) have completed the city’s first-ever ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation while simultaneously loading and unloading cargo (SIMOPS). This milestone was achieved on 5 June 2025 at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, with the successful refueling of Hanoi Express, a container vessel owned by Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the world’s leading shipping companies.
The event marks the largest LNG bunkering operation in Hong Kong’s history, involving the transfer of approximately 10,000 cubic metres of LNG, and sets a precedent for integrating LNG bunkering with port cargo operations, significantly cutting vessel turnaround time and operational costs.
LNG Bunkering and Cargo Handling
The operation was carried out by CNOOC’s Haiyang Shiyou 301, the world’s largest LNG bunkering and transport vessel. At 184.7 meters long and 28.1 meters wide, this vessel boasts a 30,000 cubic meter LNG storage capacity and a refuelling speed of 1,650 cubic meters per hour. As the first domestically built LNG bunkering vessel in Mainland China, it is equipped with full-scale bunkering and transportation capabilities, designed to fuel large-scale international maritime vessels.
This dual operation—bunkering while simultaneously handling cargo—was completed in less than 24 hours, significantly improving port efficiency and demonstrating Hong Kong’s capability to deliver next-generation green port services.
Strong Government and Industry Endorsement
This successful operation supports the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, released in 2024, and aligns with recent legislative efforts such as the Shipping Legislation (Use of Fuels and Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2024, aimed at positioning Hong Kong as a global green marine fuel hub.
At a ceremony commemorating the milestone, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Ms. Mable Chan said;
“The success of this operation was made possible by the joint efforts of LNG supplier CNOOC and LNG bunker seller CLPe. Conducting bunkering during cargo operations—and with the bunkering of green maritime fuel which reduces carbon emissions—truly delivers a synergistic effect where one plus one is greater than two.”
She emphasized that this breakthrough would encourage more vessels using LNG and other green fuels to bunker in Hong Kong, making the city more attractive to international shipping lines.
Vision and Collaboration: Leadership Driving Hong Kong’s Green Fuel Future
Mr. T. K. Chiang, CEO of CLP Holdings, remarked;
“This pioneering collaboration between CLPe and CNOOC not only advances Hong Kong’s development as a world-class green marine fuel bunkering hub but also strengthens our ties with CNOOC, a key energy supplier to the Mainland maritime industry. This cooperation will help accelerate the green transformation of the national shipping industry and enhance the entire ecosystem.”
He noted that Hong Kong’s strategic location and existing maritime infrastructure position it well to become a leading center for low-carbon and zero-carbon fuel bunkering services, serving the over 5,000 ocean-going vessels that call at its ports each year.
Mr. Wu Wei-hau, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau, stated;
“We will strengthen collaboration with Hong Kong’s maritime industry, deepening cooperation in key areas such as green shipping hubs and high-value-added supply chain services. This will help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a global shipping centre and make the Greater Bay Area a strategic anchor in the new development paradigm.”
Mr. Kang Huahua, CFO of CNOOC Gas and Power Group Co., Ltd., highlighted the innovation represented by the operation:
“This operation significantly enhances Hong Kong’s bunker supply capabilities while pioneering an integrated model for green ports and modern shipping. We will continue to leverage our full LNG industry chain and work with partners like CLPe to expand high-quality, international LNG bunkering services.”
A spokesperson from the Hong Kong Seaport Alliance also praised the achievement:
“The successful operations demonstrate that Hong Kong is capable of providing world-class LNG bunkering services, further enhancing our port’s position as a key international maritime hub. Hong Kong is also well-positioned to offer shipping lines access to a diverse fuel mix that aligns with their decarbonisation goals.”
The First of Many: A Pilot Project for the Future
This operation serves as the pilot project for a joint venture announced in November 2024 between CLPe and CNOOC to offer comprehensive LNG bunkering services in Hong Kong. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to accelerate the green transformation of the global shipping industry, particularly in Asia.
By pioneering a model that combines LNG refueling with regular terminal operations, CLPe and CNOOC are paving the way for more environmentally friendly, efficient, and commercially viable solutions that could reshape fuel logistics across Asia-Pacific ports.
About CNOOC Guangdong Water Transport Clean Energy Company Limited
CNOOC Guangdong Water Transport Clean Energy Company Limited is a subsidiary of CNOOC Gas and Power Group Co., Ltd., which is part of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), a state-owned enterprise under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
CNOOC is a leading integrated energy company in China, focusing on offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production. The company also engages in refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products, as well as the development of clean energy solutions.
CNOOC Guangdong Water Transport Clean Energy Company Limited specializes in the supply of LNG as a marine fuel, operating LNG bunkering vessels and infrastructure to support the decarbonization of the shipping industry. The company plays a pivotal role in advancing China’s LNG bunkering capabilities and promoting the use of clean energy in maritime transportation.
About Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, operating a fleet of 292 modern container vessels with a total transport capacity of 2.3 million TEU. The company’s global network spans 399 offices across 139 countries, ensuring reliable cargo transportation through 113 liner services connecting more than 600 ports worldwide. In addition to shipping operations, Hapag-Lloyd holds equity stakes in 20 terminals across key regions, further strengthening its logistics infrastructure.
About CLPe
CLPe is a wholly owned subsidiary of CLP Holdings Limited, providing comprehensive energy and infrastructure solutions across Hong Kong and Mainland China. As a trusted partner in low-carbon development, CLPe offers end-to-end solutions that support the sustainability goals of its clients and partners.
Its expertise spans multiple sectors:
- Urban and industrial energy infrastructure: power generation, heating and cooling systems, data centers, and e-transportation
- Comprehensive building energy management: energy storage, EV charging, solar energy systems, electrical and mechanical services
- Smart energy solutions: tailored systems for industrial and commercial customers that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and optimize operations
CLPe’s mission is to enable a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future, supporting the transition to net-zero emissions and empowering businesses to thrive in the low-carbon economy.
This historic LNG bunkering event not only represents a major technical achievement—it is a turning point in Hong Kong’s green maritime transformation. With leadership from CLPe and CNOOC, the city is ready to take its place at the forefront of clean, efficient, and globally competitive shipping.
Source CLPe