Hong Kong Achieves First Green Methanol Bunkering as Shipping Decarbonisation Gains Momentum

HONG KONG, March 6, 2026 — Hong Kong has completed its first green methanol bunkering operation, a milestone that signals growing momentum in the maritime sector’s transition toward low-carbon fuels.

According to information shared by the company, the operation was carried out for the methanol dual-fuel Ro-Ro vessel “Gang Rong”, with approximately 500 tonnes of green methanol supplied through a ship-to-ship bunkering process. The fuel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 85 percent, highlighting the potential of green methanol as a lower-carbon alternative for global shipping.

The project was jointly undertaken by CIMC Enric Holdings Limited (HKEX: 3899), China Merchants Energy Shipping and Sinopec (Hong Kong) and forms part of broader efforts to support the Hong Kong government’s Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering.

Green methanol is emerging as one of the most promising alternative marine fuels due to its compatibility with existing infrastructure and its ability to significantly reduce lifecycle emissions when produced from renewable or bio-based sources.

The fuel supplied for the operation was produced at CIMC Enric’s Zhanjiang Green Methanol plant, which has obtained ISCC EU full-chain certification and delivers lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reductions exceeding 85 percent compared with traditional marine fuels.

The successful bunkering operation also demonstrated a full green methanol value chain, spanning production, storage, transportation, bunkering and vessel application.

Hong Kong authorities played an active role in enabling the project. The Transport and Logistics Bureau, Marine Department, Customs and Excise Department and Immigration Department worked with industry partners to provide regulatory coordination, approvals and safety oversight.

The operation provides a practical demonstration of how ports, shipowners, fuel suppliers and technology providers can collaborate to develop green maritime fuel ecosystems.

Under Hong Kong’s green shipping roadmap, the government aims to increase the share of locally registered vessels using green fuels to 7 percent by 2030, while strengthening the city’s position as a regional hub for sustainable marine fuel supply.

Industry stakeholders say the successful bunkering operation validates both the technical and commercial viability of green methanol in the port environment and establishes a scalable model for future adoption.

The partners indicated they will continue to expand cooperation to support the industrialisation and regular supply of green methanol in Hong Kong, contributing to the decarbonisation of the global shipping sector while reinforcing the city’s role as a green maritime fuel centre in Asia-Pacific.