CLPe and CNOOC have successfully completed Hong Kong’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation for a VLCC, the Maran Dione. This milestone at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a premier green marine fuel hub for the world’s largest ocean-going vessels.
Hong Kong | March 3, 2026 – In a milestone for the Asian maritime energy landscape, CLPe and CNOOC (Shenzhen) International Marine Clean Energy have successfully executed Hong Kong’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC).
The operation, completed on 24 February, involved the transfer of approximately 4,700 cubic meters of LNG to the Maran Dione at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage. This achievement marks a significant technical leap from previous terminal-side operations, signaling Hong Kong’s readiness to service the world’s largest ocean-going vessels with low-carbon fuel.
Operational Deep Dive: Seven Hours at South Cheung Chau Anchorage
The scale of the vessels involved underscores the complexity of the maneuver. The Maran Dione, delivered in 2023, is a 320,000-DWT titan measuring 330 meters in length. The bunkering process took approximately seven hours, providing the vessel with enough fuel to cover 12,000 nautical miles, roughly a full round trip between the Middle East and East Asia without a single intermediate refueling stop.
The delivery was performed by CNOOC’s Haiyang Shiyou 301, currently the world’s largest LNG bunkering and transport vessel. With a storage capacity of 30,000 cubic meters, the 301 is the workhorse behind CNOOC’s push to dominate the regional green fuel market.
Shift to Anchorage Bunkering
While CLPe and CNOOC previously fueled the Hanoi Express at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals last June, this operation at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage presented unique challenges. Unlike terminal operations where a vessel is moored to a pier, anchorage bunkering requires meticulous coordination of two massive vessels in open water, necessitating the highest level of safety standards and environmental monitoring.
The “Super Connector” Strategy
Mr. Ringo Ng, Managing Director of CLPe, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership:
“The successful completion of this bunkering operation demonstrates the strong partnership between CLPe and CNOOC, a key energy supplier to the Chinese Mainland’s maritime industry. As a super connector, CLPe works hand in hand with CNOOC to bring advanced bunkering services to Hong Kong, providing international vessels with world-class solutions.”
“This achievement highlights CLPe’s capability to serve a diverse range of vessel types and reinforces our commitment to accelerating the adoption of green marine fuels. By attracting a wider spectrum of green-energy oceangoing vessels, we are supporting Hong Kong’s development as a green marine fuel bunkering centre and strengthening its position as a leading international maritime hub.”
Technical Specifications of the Operation
| Parameter | Details |
| Receiving Vessel | Maran Dione (VLCC, 320,000 DWT) |
| Bunker Vessel | Haiyang Shiyou 301 (30,000 m³ capacity) |
| Fuel Volume | 4,700 cubic meters of LNG |
| Operation Time | 7 hours |
| Location | South Cheung Chau Anchorage, Hong Kong |
| Endurance Gain | 12,000 Nautical Miles |
Decarbonizing the Asian Hub: A New Chapter for Hong Kong Waters
This operation is a direct response to the global shipping industry’s transition toward low-carbon energy. By successfully servicing a VLCC, the backbone of the global oil trade, Hong Kong is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the “Green Corridor” traffic between the Pearl River Delta and the rest of the world.
CLPe, a subsidiary of CLP Holdings Limited, continues to utilize its “Build-Own-Operate-Transfer” model to support these large-scale infrastructure projects, bridging the gap between Mainland China’s massive energy resources and the international shipping lines calling at Hong Kong.
About CNOOC
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.
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.
Source: CLPe