CLPe and CNOOC successfully completed the first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas supply (LNG) in Hong Kong for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the Maran Dione. This operation, carried out on February 24, represents a large-scale technical and logistical breakthrough that reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for clean energy bunkering.
Scope of LNG bunkering
The maneuver took place at the South Cheung Chau anchorage, where approximately 4,700 cubic meters of LNG were transferred over a seven-hour period. The receiving vessel, the Maran Dione, was built in 2023 and stands out for its 320,000 deadweight tonnage capacity, making it one of the largest VLCCs in the world.
This supply will allow it to travel nearly 12,000 nautical miles without refueling, equivalent to a full journey between the Middle East and East Asia.
A key vessel for an energy transition
The Haiyang Shiyou 301, owned by CNOOC, was responsible for executing the supply. This vessel is considered the world’s largest in its class for LNG transport and bunkering, with a storage capacity of 30,000 cubic meters.
Its participation ensures the highest standards of safety and efficiency in anchorage operations, where precision and coordination are critical.
A strategic alliance for a sustainable future
Ringo Ng, Managing Director of CLPe, noted that this operation reflects the joint commitment of both companies to accelerate the adoption of marine fuels with a lower carbon footprint. Furthermore, he highlighted that this collaboration drives the arrival of international vessels powered by clean energy, strengthening Hong Kong as a maritime and energy hub in Asia.
This is not the first cooperation between the two entities. In June last year, they carried out the city’s largest single LNG supply, with over 10,000 cubic meters delivered to the container ship Hanoi Express, owned by Hapag-Lloyd AG, during a simultaneous cargo operation.
Implications for the shipping industry
The success of the bunkering for the Maran Dione marks a significant precedent in alternative fuel logistics for large-tonnage vessels. The operational complexity in anchorage conditions and the strict safety measures followed demonstrate the level of technical and regulatory readiness that already distinguishes Hong Kong in this segment.
Technological advancement, combined with strategic alliances such as that of CLPe and CNOOC, positions the region to attract new routes and operators interested in sustainable energy solutions, contributing directly to the decarbonization of maritime transport.
Source and photo: CLPe