Hong Kong SAR – Shenzhen, China | January 22, 2026 – Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited has expanded its managed bunkering fleet with the addition of Da Qing 268, China’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered bunkering vessel, following the vessel’s successful maiden ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation at Yantian Port, Shenzhen, on 21 January.
The operation marked a significant milestone for China’s alternative marine fuels sector, with Da Qing 268 delivering 200 tonnes of green methanol to the container vessel COSCO Shipping Carnation. It also reinforces Wah Kwong’s growing role in the management of next-generation bunkering assets supporting the energy transition in shipping.
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Fourth Bunkering Vessel Under Wah Kwong’s Care
With the addition of Da Qing 268, Wah Kwong now manages four specialised bunkering vessels, comprising:
- Hai Gang Wei Lai – the world’s largest LNG bunkering vessel at the time of its launch
- Hai Gang Zhi Yuan – China’s first methanol bunkering vessel
- Huaihe Nengyuan Qihang – China’s first river-sea LNG bunkering vessel
- Da Qing 268 – China’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered bunkering vessel
Wah Kwong’s management team coordinated the end-to-end execution of the operation, including route planning, operational readiness, safety management and bunkering procedures, working in close cooperation with all project stakeholders.
Vessel Specifications and Bunkering Capability
Da Qing 268 measures 109.9 metres in length, with a deadweight tonnage of 7,500 tonnes and a cargo tank capacity of 10,362 cubic metres. Designed for efficient methanol bunkering operations, the vessel’s dual-fuel capability reflects the industry’s increasing focus on operational flexibility and emissions reduction.
Green Methanol Supply from CIMC Enric
The green methanol supplied during the bunkering operation was provided by CIMC Enric Holdings Limited, sourced from its Zhanjiang, Guangdong production facility, which commenced operations in December 2025. The supply chain highlights the growing maturity of China’s domestic green fuel production and distribution network.
Strengthening the Greater Bay Area Fuel Ecosystem
The successful operation also supports Yantian Port (Shenzhen) in its efforts to develop a comprehensive fuel-port-vessel ecosystem within the Greater Bay Area, capable of supporting LNG and methanol bunkering at commercial scale.
Methanol is increasingly being adopted as a marine fuel due to its scalability, compatibility with existing engine technologies and potential for production from renewable sources. The entry of Da Qing 268 into active service is expected to further accelerate methanol bunkering activity across southern China.
Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited stated. “We are proud to support Yantian Port (Shenzhen) in this landmark operation, which represents a major step forward in developing a robust fuel‑port‑vessel ecosystem within the Greater Bay Area. The successful maiden methanol bunkering operation demonstrates the growing maturity of alternative marine fuels in China, and we congratulate all our partners and team members who contributed to reaching this milestone.”
About Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Limited
Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Limited is a family-owned integrated shipping company based in Hong Kong with a global outlook, with offices in Shenzhen, London and Genoa. Established in 1952 by T. Y. Chao and currently managed by the third generation of the Chao family, Wah Kwong owns and operates a diversified fleet of vessels in addition to offering a full range of ship management and marine consultancy services to customers in China, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Wah Kwong currently has four main business streams, ship owning, ship management, dry bulk operating and energy.