The world's largest LNG bunkering vessel (LNGBV) Hai Yang Shi You 301, owned by Chinese state-owned CNOOC, has completed its largest LNG bunkering operation to date in Hong Kong, CNOOC announced on 10 June.
The LNGBV refuelled German container ship Hanoi Express with 4,300t of LNG at the Kwai Tsing container terminal in Hong Kong.
The operation was completed in just 8.5 hours, CNOOC said, which is a new record for refuelling efficiency in Hong Kong. Faster refuelling operations can help to shorten port turnaround time and save operating costs, the firm added.
This marks the first LNG bunkering operation done by Hong Kong at a terminal. It was also the first time that simultaneous operations (Simops) was carried out at a terminal. Simops involve an LNG bunkering operation that is completed alongside another operation, such as unloading or loading procedures.
The completion of the LNG bunkering operation is a significant step towards improving Hong Kong's marine fuel supply capabilities and enhancing its status as a maritime centre. Hong Kong is the world's seventh largest bunkering centre and serves over 5,000 international ships yearly.
The vessel Hai Yang Shi You 301 is China's first LNGBV and mainly provides LNG bunkering operations to international ships. It has an LNG capacity of 30,000m³ and is able to refuel up to 1,650m³ of LNG every hour.
CNOOC aims to leverage its comprehensive LNG supply chain and its position as China's largest LNG importer to accelerate the construction of a clean fuel supply chain in Hong Kong.