The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has introduced two new green maritime incentive schemes aimed at strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a regional hub for green marine fuel bunkering and accelerating the shipping industry’s low-carbon transition.
The two programs, launched by the Marine Department, will run for three years starting June 16.
The first initiative, the Port Dues Incentive Scheme, offers fee concessions to ocean-going vessels that use, supply, or bunker designated green fuels in Hong Kong. Eligible fuels include liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and biodiesel containing at least 20 percent biofuel.
The second initiative, the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme, targets vessels powered by green fuels that are currently registered or newly registered in the Hong Kong Shipping Registry. Ships using LNG, methanol, ammonia, or hydrogen as their primary propulsion fuel can receive an annual subsidy of HK$60,000, with a maximum of HK$180,000 per vessel over three years.
According to the Marine Department, the port dues scheme is expected to attract more than 1,000 green-fuel-related vessel calls and encourage businesses across the green bunkering supply chain to expand operations in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the vessel registration program is projected to benefit around 170 green vessels and further enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry.
The initiatives reflect Hong Kong’s growing commitment to sustainable shipping and its ambition to become a leading green maritime fuel center in Asia.
