Hong Kong Maritime Green Fuel Bunkering

On June 30th, 2025, the Hong Kong Marine Department announced the launch of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to facilitate the development of Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering center.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Under the key policy drive of the IMO, the international maritime industry is now undergoing an irreversible green transformation, and the use of low- or even zero-carbon fuels is quickly gaining popularity.  

To complement and encourage the green transformation of the shipping industry, the Hong Kong Government (HKG) promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on November 15, 2024, setting out clear targets, five green-centric strategies and 10 actions to support the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. One of the actions proposed in the Action Plan is to set up a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme, which serves to encourage companies to develop green maritime fuel bunkering businesses in Hong Kong.  

Providing incentives to first-movers is aimed at leveling the playing field between pioneers and late-joiners, as the latter might be able to benefit from the operational experience of the former.

Companies that have already completed relevant assessments and/or bunkering operations before the Scheme launch are also eligible to receive incentives. The maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognized green maritime fuel is HKD 2,000,000 (US$ 255,000), and incentives will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Marine Department said: “Hong Kong, China, as an associate member of the IMO, has long been committed to supporting the IMO’s emission reduction target.  At the same time, the development of green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities in Hong Kong will allow us to capitalize on the existing unique advantages of our port, including our location at the southernmost tip of China next to the international fairway, to maintain our positioning as a major bunkering port and international maritime center.”

The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong encourages U.S. firms that are specialized in green fuel bunkering (LNG, Methanol and/or other sustainable alternatives) to connect with Commercial Specialist Michael Wajntal at Michael.Wajntal@trade.gov.