Hong Kong’s port is failing to ready itself for LNG-fuelled cargo ships as rival Singapore races ahead, say analysts
- Hong Kong’s failure to prepare infrastructure for refuelling container ships that run on eco-friendly liquefied natural gas will make its already struggling port even less competitive, analysts warn
- Rival Singapore is well ahead, having already ordered two LNG bunkering (refuelling) vessels
The world’s shipping industry is starting to switch to liquid natural gas (LNG) powered vessels in an effort to eliminate sulphur and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Creating the infrastructure needed to handle LNG fuel for commercial ships could become a decisive factor in determining which of the world’s ports remain relevant in the future.
Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering (fuelling) port, is pushing ahead rapidly with its plans to adapt to the new eco-friendly fuel.
But Hong Kong’s LNG bunkering infrastructure has not even got off the blocks, according to observers. And that inertia is likely to hamper its competitiveness as more of the world’s fleet make the switch to LNG.
“Hong Kong would be an ideal port to cater to this (LNG) market – and it would give shipping lines one more reason why [they] should not avoid a Hong Kong port call,” said Roberto Giannetta, executive director of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association.
Hong Kong’s government is backing the construction of a floating LNG terminal to the east of the Soko Islands and south of Lantau Island to supply the Black Point Power Station and Lamma Power Station through underwater pipelines.