CLPe and CNOOC (Shenzhen) International Marine Clean Energy Co., Ltd (CNOOC), completed Hong Kong’s first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation for a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), the AICC Fenghuang, on 26 September. As a large and high-sided vessel with a substantial windage area, the AICC Fenghuang posed greater challenges in vessel berthing, stability control, operational co-ordination, and safety management during bunkering. This achievement demonstrates Hong Kong’s capability to support various types of green-fuel-powered vessels, reinforces its development as a world-class green marine fuel bunkering centre, and strengthens its position as a leading international maritime centre.
The operation was conducted at Western Anchorage No. 3 west of Victoria Harbour, where approximately 2600 m3 of LNG was delivered to the AICC Fenghuang in around six hours by CNOOC’s Haiyang Shiyou 301, the world’s largest LNG bunkering and transport vessel. The LNG dual-fuel PCTC measures around 200 m in length and 38 m in width, with 12 decks and a capacity for 7000 standard vehicles. Owned by Anhui Port and Shipping Group, which is based in Anhui, the Chinese Mainland’s leading automotive manufacturing province, the vessel departed for the Mediterranean immediately after bunkering, carrying vehicles exported from the Mainland.
As two large vessels were required to maintain a safe distance while remaining steadily alongside during the operation, the project team undertook meticulous planning covering anchorage, weather and sea conditions, vessel positioning, berthing procedures, and emergency arrangements. Close co-ordination was maintained throughout the bunkering process to ensure safe and efficient execution.
CLPe Managing Director, Ringo Ng, said: “Through close collaboration and meticulous operational planning, CLPe and CNOOC have successfully completed Hong Kong’s first LNG bunkering operation for a PCTC, demonstrating the expertise and capabilities of both companies in serving a diverse range of oceangoing vessels. CLPe will continue to promote the wider adoption of green marine fuels and support the accelerated green transformation of Hong Kong’s maritime industry.”
