Hong Kong has completed its first simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) green methanol bunkering at Cosco-HIT Terminals, located within Kwai Tsing Container Terminals complex.

The operation involved the methanol dual-fuel container vessel Cosco Shipping Gemini, which has a carrying capacity of more than 20,000 TEU. The vessel received 200 tonnes of green methanol through a ship-to-ship transfer from the delivery tanker Da Qing 268, operated by Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN). The bunkering process was completed within five hours.

The fuel was produced by Venex, a joint venture between Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Foran Energy, at a facility in Inner Mongolia. According to Towngas, the green methanol carries ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS sustainability certifications and is produced from biomass waste using proprietary conversion technology.

Distribution of the fuel was coordinated by Chimbusco Pan Nation, which works with Towngas to supply green methanol to maritime customers.

Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (HKSPA) said the operation marks a step forward in Hong Kong’s development as a hub for alternative marine fuels.

Market projections cited by the alliance suggest that the global green methanol sector could grow from approximately $2.9bn in 2025 to $41.1bn by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 30.4%. Hong Kong is currently one of the world’s largest bunkering ports, and government data indicates that 22.5% of ocean-going vessels visiting the port in 2023 did so primarily for bunkering.

“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,” commented Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics.

Ivor Chow, Managing Director, Hong Kong International Terminals, remarked: “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, Modern Terminals, said the initiative demonstrates the port’s operational readiness for alternative fuels and reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre.

Tao Weidong, Executive Director and General Manager, Cosco Shipping Holdings Co., Ltd., stated: “By investing in methanol-enabled vessels, we are future-proofing our fleet while 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.”

Calvin Chung, Director, CPN, said the project expands the company’s capabilities in alternative fuels. “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.”

Referring to industry data, HKSPA indicated that more than 65 large container vessels capable of operating on green methanol have already been ordered or delivered. By 2027, nearly 1 million TEU of green methanol-powered capacity is expected to enter service, representing around 2% to 3% of the global container fleet.