In a historic step for the Asia-Pacific maritime sector, The Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (HKSPA), in collaboration with Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN), has successfully executed the city’s first SIMOPS green methanol bunkering for a 20,000+ TEU vessel. This landmark operation at COSCO-HIT Terminals marks a critical advancement in HKSPA’s mission to transform Hong Kong into a premier green maritime fuel hub in alignment with IMO 2050 targets.
Hong Kong | March 10, 2026 – The Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (HKSPA) has announced the successful completion of the city’s first-ever simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) green methanol bunkering. The operation, conducted at the COSCO-HIT Terminals, represents a critical leap forward in Hong Kong‘s strategic evolution into a premier global hub for sustainable maritime fuels.
The milestone involved the COSCO SHIPPING GEMINI, a massive methanol dual-fuel container vessel with a capacity exceeding 20,000 TEU. In a precise ship-to-ship transfer that lasted approximately five hours, the vessel received 200 tonnes of green methanol from the specialized bunker barge DAQING 268, operated by Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN).
What sets this operation apart is the SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) framework, which allowed the vessel to refuel while concurrently carrying out cargo handling. This efficiency-first approach minimizes port stay duration, a vital competitive factor for modern shipping lines.
Decarbonization and the IMO 2050 Mandate
This operation directly supports the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Green methanol, produced from renewable sources such as biomass or captured carbon dioxide, is a frontrunner in the race to decarbonize.
- Emission Impact: Green methanol can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 70% to 85% compared to traditional heavy fuel oils.
- Market Growth: The global green methanol market, valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2025, is projected to skyrocket to USD 41.1 billion by 2035, a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.4%.
Hong Kong, currently ranked among the world’s top 10 bunkering ports, is moving aggressively to capture this market. In 2023, 22.5% of ocean-going vessels visited the city specifically for bunkering services.
Strengthening the Green Supply Chain
The success of the SIMOPS operation was hailed by government and industry leaders as a testament to the city’s collaborative maritime ecosystem.
Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics “This operation demonstrates Hong Kong’s growing capability as a premier green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre. We will continue to work with industry partners to diversify our energy portfolio and attract a broader network of green fuel suppliers to the city.”
Calvin Chung, Director of CPN “This milestone demonstrates CPN’s expanding alternative fuel capacity beyond marine biofuels to green methanol. By integrating our expertise with a robust partner ecosystem, we are securing Hong Kong’s future as a premier green port.”
Ivor Chow, Managing Director of Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) “With shipping lines facing increasingly stringent sustainability requirements, the ability to provide alternative fuelling options has become a key competitive differentiator for ports. Today’s operation positions Hong Kong to support our customers’ decarbonisation commitments.”
Horace Lo, Group Managing Director of Modern Terminals “This initiative underscores Hong Kong’s operational excellence readiness for alternative fuels and reinforces our reputation as an international maritime centre.”
Tao Weidong, Executive Director and General Manager of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings “By investing in methanol-enabled vessels, we are future-proofing our fleet whilst supporting our customers’ sustainability goals. This accomplishment highlights the collective efforts of the industry, particularly COSCO-HIT Terminals for its leadership in facilitating and executing Hong Kong’s first such operation.”
The Towngas Supply Chain
The fuel was produced by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) via its VENEX joint venture. Manufactured in Inner Mongolia, the fuel utilizes proprietary technology to convert biomass waste and scrap tires into high-purity energy. This supply holds both ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, confirming it meets the highest international sustainability standards.
Mr. Tony Lin, Deputy Chief Operating Officer – Green Fuels and Chemicals at Towngas: “Towngas-produced green methanol was used in Hong Kong’s first-ever SIMOPS bunkering today, marking a milestone in the city’s green shipping development. We will continue to utilize Hong Kong as a hub for delivery, bunkering, and trade settlement to fully connect with the international market.”
The Road to 2027: A Methanol-Powered Fleet
The maritime industry is witnessing a rapid shift toward methanol. Currently, over 65 large green methanol-powered container ships are on order or already in delivery. Experts anticipate that by 2027, nearly 1 million TEU of green methanol-fueled capacity will be in operation, accounting for roughly 2% to 3% of the global container fleet capacity.
As the demand for green bunkering services intensifies, the coordination between the Hong Kong SAR Government, terminal operators, and fuel suppliers seen today provides a scalable blueprint for the future of the Port of Hong Kong.
About Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN)
Founded in Since 1991, Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) has empowered clients to confidently voyage across oceans, starting as a single-barge operation in Hong Kong with bold ambitions to lead the bunkering industry and set its standards.
Over 34 years, CPN has grown into a premier physical supplier, global bunker trader, and alternative energy leader with a robust international team across nine offices. Guided by core values: reliability, pragmatism, forward-thinking, excellence, and partnership. CPN pursues excellence to drive evolution, providing the best support to progress in an ever-changing world.
Source: Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN)