The “CM Hong Kong,” the world’s first large-scale Ro-Ro transport vessel equipped with a methanol dual-fuel engine system, made its inaugural voyage from Hong Kong on Sunday (Sep 28).
The groundbreaking ship, owned by China Merchants Energy Shipping, uses green methanol to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent compared with conventional fuels.
Measuring 219.9 meters long and 37.7 meters wide, it features 13 vehicle-loading decks – three of them adjustable – and a capacity for 9,300 vehicles, making it the world's largest vessel of its kind.
It is equipped with numerous safety systems, including a distress alert system that can receive signals from other ships and an onboard fire extinguishing system.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the government is actively leading and supporting the industry's transition by promoting the use of green marine fuels.
He said Hong Kong has supplied sea-going vessels with over 130,000 tonnes of green marine fuel, including biodiesel and liquefied natural gas.
Chan further highlighted the government's proposal to amend the Dutiable Commodities Regulations (Cap 109A) to provide a duty exemption for methyl alcohol for use as fuel in outbound vessels.
He pledged that the government will enhance the quality of green marine fuel bunkering services, strengthen cooperation with ports in various regions, and promote the trading of green marine fuel in Hong Kong.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the maiden voyage of the “CM Hong Kong” carries more than just shipments of Chinese-made new energy vehicles; it is also laden with symbolic significance.
She pointed out that the vessel flies the Hong Kong flag and is named after the city, representing a recognition and endorsement of Hong Kong's status as an international maritime center.
President of CMES Wang Yongxin said the vessel, built at US$96 million (HK$748.8 million), is expected to complete six round-trips across Europe annually, transporting nearly 60,000 vehicles on these routes, plus 200,000 more on Southeast Asian routes.
Its inaugural voyage from Europe includes stops in Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands.
He also revealed that a second methanol dual-fuel vessel will be delivered by year's end, alongside a new large cruise ship, advancing CMES's goal to cut fleet carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030 from 2008 levels.
Director of Marine Wong Sai-fat noted that land has been reserved in southern Tsing Yi for the storage of green marine fuel, while the government expects a positive response to the Invitation for Expression of Interest from the industry.
He added that the offshore LNG terminal located near the Soko Islands has the capacity to provide LNG bunkering services for vessels in Hong Kong.
