Wah Kwong NatPower (WK Natpower) and Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises (AERL) have signed an MoU to pioneer an integrated marine electrification ecosystem across Hong Kong’s Aberdeen and Shum Wan areas. The partnership will explore deploying shore power facilities, advanced vessel charging stations, and battery storage solutions to support clean local transport and tourism. Additionally, the initiative will investigate introducing the ApliAber electric vessel fleet to aid in the sustainable revitalisation of the local waterfront and the Jumbo Kingdom destination.
Hong Kong | September 22, 2026 – Wah Kwong NatPower Limited (WK NatPower) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises Limited (AREL) to pioneer an integrated marine electrification ecosystem across Hong Kong’s iconic Aberdeen and Shum Wan waters.
Aligned with the HKSAR Government’s green shipping and smart port agenda, the partnership aims to overhaul local waterfront energy infrastructure. The initiative will evaluate the deployment of shore power facilities, advanced vessel charging stations, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), alongside the introduction of modern electric vessels tailored for future transport and tourism operations.
Revitalising Aberdeen’s Maritime Heritage
As an initial phase of the agreement, the two entities will investigate the construction of a new series of electric transport vessels. The project will look closely at deploying the ApliAber® electric vessel fleet, setting a prospective benchmark for sustainable waterfront mobility, hospitality, and low-emission tourism in Hong Kong.
The collaboration also explicitly supports AREL’s broader vision to transform the legacy of the Jumbo Kingdom® destination into a sustainability-driven cultural hub powered by green innovations across sea, land, and air.
Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower, highlighted the local impact of the agreement “This MoU marks an important step in supporting Hong Kong’s marine energy transition. Aberdeen has long been an iconic part of Hong Kong’s maritime heritage, and we are delighted to explore opportunities to develop integrated shore power and vessel electrification solutions that can support a cleaner and more sustainable future for the harbour.”
Echoing this outlook, Wong Tai Yu, Director of AREL, added “Through this collaboration, we look forward to exploring practical ways to introduce cleaner energy, electric vessels and sustainable waterfront experiences, while supporting the revitalization of Jumbo Kingdom® for future generations.”
Building Asia’s Green Bunkering Backbone
The pact leverages WK NatPower’s specialized marine energy infrastructure capabilities, born from a joint venture between Hong Kong shipping veteran Wah Kwong Maritime Transport and UK-based clean energy developer NatPower Marine. By combining deep-rooted maritime expertise with cutting-edge charging solutions, the initiative aims to remove commercial and technical friction points for port electrification, driving long-term decarbonisation across high-traffic regional waters.
About Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises Limited (AREL)
Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises Limited (AREL) envisions transforming Jumbo Kingdom® into a sustainability-driven cultural and hospitality destination powered by green innovation across sea, land, and air. Through sustainable maritime mobility solutions and responsible hospitality and tourism initiatives, AREL is committed to supporting the revitalization of Hong Kong’s Aberdeen waterfront while creating long-term social, environmental, and economic value for the community.
About WK NatPower
WK NatPower leverages Wah Kwong’s extensive maritime experience and NatPower’s energy infrastructure expertise to invest in, develop, and operate a comprehensive maritime electrification infrastructure network across Asia. The company aims to supply clean power for ships at berth for cold ironing and for propulsion, driving the maritime industry toward a sustainable future.
Source: WK Natpower