Sinopec has officially launched the Da Qing 268, China’s first domestically built dual-fuel methanol bunkering vessel, at Yantian Port to spearhead the decarbonization of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The 7,500-DWT vessel successfully delivered 200 metric tonnes of ISCC EU-certified green methanol to the ultra-large container ship COSCO Shipping Carnation, achieving a lifecycle greenhouse gas reduction of over 85%. This landmark operation establishes a complete “Chinese solution” for the global maritime energy transition, integrating green fuel production, ship-to-ship bunkering, and international carbon traceability standards.
China | February 5, 2026 – In a milestone for the global maritime energy transition, China’s first domestically developed dual-fuel methanol bunkering vessel, the Da Qing 268, has officially entered service at Yantian Port.
Operated by a joint venture under Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales Co., Ltd. (specifically the Sinopec CSSC Shenzhen Marine Fuel Co.), the vessel successfully completed its inaugural ship-to-ship (STS) transfer on January 21, supplying 200 metric tonnes (mt) of green methanol to the international container ship COSCO Shipping Carnation.
This operation marks the birth of a fully integrated green methanol supply chain in China, spanning production, storage, and port-side delivery, positioning the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a formidable competitor in the race for future fuel leadership.
The Vessel: A New Standard for Bunkering Infrastructure
The Da Qing 268 is a 7,500-DWT vessel designed to handle both green methanol and traditional fuel oils. Its technical specifications reflect the growing complexity of modern bunker fleets:
- Dimensions: 109.9 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 10.2 meters in depth.
- Capacity: Total cargo volume of 10,362 cubic meters.
- Dual-Fuel Propulsion: The vessel itself utilizes a methanol-diesel dual-fuel power system, reducing its own operational carbon footprint while performing bunkering duties.
- Management: While operated under the Sinopec umbrella, the vessel is managed by Wah Kwong Ship Management (Shenzhen), blending state energy resources with elite commercial shipping expertise.
Fuel Profile: ISCC-Certified “Green” Methanol
The methanol supplied during this landmark operation is not just a chemical alternative but a certified sustainable fuel.
- Source: Produced by CIMC Enric at their newly commissioned facility in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, the first bio-methanol project in China to reach mass production (initial capacity: 50,000 mt per year).
- Certifications: The fuel holds ISCC EU (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) status, ensuring it meets the European Union’s stringent Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) requirements.
- Emissions Profile: Lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments, verified by international traceability testing, indicate a reduction of over 85% compared to standard heavy fuel oil (HFO).
The Battle for the Greater Bay Area
The launch of the Da Qing 268 at Yantian is a direct response to the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy and the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). By establishing a “Chinese solution” for methanol bunkering, Sinopec and its partners are de-risking the decarbonization journey for major carriers like COSCO.
“The successful bunkering of green methanol is a significant milestone for Shenzhen Port’s transition to green shipping,” stated Sinopec. “It lays a solid foundation for the region to develop into a world-class green shipping hub.“
The COSCO Shipping Carnation, which received the fuel, is a 366-meter ultra-large container vessel equipped with an 11,000-cubic-meter methanol tank, designed specifically for long-haul routes such as the Far East to the U.S. East Coast.
The Roadmap Ahead
As of February 2026, China is rapidly scaling its alternative fuel infrastructure. Following the Da Qing 268‘s success in Shenzhen, the vessel has already begun multi-port operations, including recent successful trials in Hong Kong.
With global green methanol demand expected to reach 12 million tonnes by 2030 in China alone, nearly half of the projected global market, Sinopec’s move into dedicated bunkering vessels signifies that the “methanol era” is no longer a pilot phase, but a commercial reality.
Key Project Partners:
| Partner | Role |
| Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales | Lead operator and fuel procurement |
| CIMC Enric | Green methanol production (Zhanjiang Plant) |
| Wah Kwong Management | Vessel technical management |
| COSCO Shipping | Offtake partner and vessel operator |
| Yantian Port Group | Port infrastructure and safety coordination |
About Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited
Established in 1989, Sinopec (Hong Kong) is a leading oil and gas energy supplier in Hong Kong, owning extensive storage, transport, and retail infrastructure, including two oil depots, 54 service stations, and marine fuel supply operations. It is a major provider of fuel oil, jet fuel, and marine bunkers in the region. The company has also expanded into clean energy initiatives, including hydrogen refueling, green fuels, and bio-marine fuel, positioning itself as a key player in Hong Kong’s low-carbon maritime transition.
About Sinopec Corporation
Established on February 25, 2000, as a subsidiary of the state-owned Sinopec Group, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp.) is China’s leading integrated energy and chemical powerhouse with a presence on the Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London stock exchanges. The company holds the prestigious rank of being China’s largest supplier of refined oil products and maintains the country’s top position in both refining and ethylene production capacity.
Operating across the entire value chain, from upstream exploration and production to a sophisticated midstream pipeline network and a dominant downstream marketing web, Sinopec leverages over 100 subsidiaries to drive the economy of China’s most developed regions. As a global leader in the energy transition, the company is increasingly focusing on the R&D and application of low-carbon technologies to complement its massive petrochemical and coal chemical portfolios.
Source: Sinopec