Hong Kong sees first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering for very large crude carrier

March 4, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

CNOOC (Shenzhen) International Marine Clean Energy, a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and CLPe, a wholly owned subsidiary of CLP Holdings, have wrapped up Hong Kong’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship-to-ship bunker operation for a very large crude carrier (VLCC).

The first LNG bunkering for a VLCC in Hong Kong took place at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage, where approximately 4,700 cubic metres of LNG was delivered to the dual-fuel VLCC, Maran Dione, in 7 hours. Source: CLPe — The first LNG bunkering for a VLCC in Hong Kong took place at the South Cheung Chau
Anchorage, where approximately 4,700 cubic metres of LNG was delivered to the dual-fuel VLCC Maran Dione. Source: CLPe

The duo completed the first LNG bunkering operation for the 2023-built VLCC Maran Dione in Hong Kong waters on February 24, 2026. This achievement is interpreted not only to highlight CLPe’s ability to service a wide spectrum of vessel types but also to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a world class green marine fuel bunkering hub and its growing readiness to support an expanding range of green fuel powered vessels.

Ringo Ng, CLPe’s Managing Director, commented: “The successful completion of this bunkering operation demonstrates the strong partnership between CLPe and CNOOC, a key energy supplier to the Chinese Mainland’s maritime industry. As a super connector, CLPe works hand in hand with CNOOC to bring advanced bunkering services to Hong Kong, providing international vessels with world-class solutions.

“This achievement highlights CLPe’s capability to serve a diverse range of vessel types and reinforces our commitment to accelerating the adoption of green marine fuels. By attracting a wider spectrum of green-energy oceangoing vessels, we are supporting Hong Kong’s development as a green marine fuel bunkering centre and strengthening its position as a leading international maritime hub.”

The operation was conducted at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage, where approximately 4,700 cubic meters of LNG was delivered to the VLCC in around seven hours. The vessel measures 330 meters in length and 60 meters in width, with a deadweight capacity of about 320,000 tonnes, placing the ship among the largest VLCCs in the world.

The LNG bunkering vessel is CNOOC’s Haiyang Shiyou 301, the world’s largest LNG
bunkering and transport vessel. Courtesy of CLPe

This LNG bunkering is said to enable the vessel to travel around 12,000 nautical miles continuously, equivalent to a round trip between the Middle East and East Asia without intermediate refuelling. The operation was carried out by CNOOC’s Haiyang Shiyou 301, described as the world’s largest LNG bunkering and transport vessel, with an LNG storage capacity of 30,000 cubic meters and an overall length of nearly 200 meters.

Anchorage bunkering for a vessel of this scale is perceived to require meticulous planning, precise execution, and meeting the highest safety standards, compared with bunkering at a container terminal. The LNG bunkering is deemed to reflect CLPe and CNOOC’s dedication to serving the global shipping community, supporting the industry’s transition toward low-carbon energy.

The two companies teamed up to supply LNG to the Hanoi Express container vessel from Hapag-Lloyd, a German shipping company, during cargo handling at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in June last year.

Around 10,000 cubic meters of LNG was supplied to the vessel, marking what is seen as the largest single LNG bunkering operation in Hong Kong to date and the city‘s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering with simultaneous cargo handling.