Hong Kong is set to introduce two new financial incentive schemes on June 16, targeting the uptake of alternative marine fuels across its port operations. According to Ship & Bunker, the programmes will run for three years and are designed to support vessels that use, carry, or bunker fuels including LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuel blends above B20 within Hong Kong waters.
Port Dues Rebates for Green Fuel Vessels
The first programme, the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels, offers rebates of between 25% and 50% on port dues for eligible oceangoing vessels. As reported by Ship & Bunker, the scheme applies to vessels powered by alternative marine fuels, vessels bunkering those fuels in Hong Kong, and ships transporting green fuels for local supply.
The Hong Kong Marine Department (MD) stated that the initiative is intended to help offset the premium cost associated with green fuels while simultaneously stimulating demand for bunkering services in the port. Authorities anticipate the scheme will draw more than 1,000 visits from alternative-fuelled vessels over its three-year duration.
Annual Payments for Registered Alternative-Fuel Vessels
A second initiative, the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme, targets Hong Kong-registered vessels that operate on LNG, methanol, ammonia, or hydrogen as their primary propulsion fuel. Ship & Bunker reports that qualifying vessels will receive annual payments of HK$60,000 (approximately $7,600), with each vessel eligible for up to HK$180,000 over the full term of the scheme.
A spokesperson for the MD estimated that around 170 alternative-fuelled vessels registered in Hong Kong stand to benefit from this programme within the three-year window.
Does This Matter to You?
The announcement signals a clear policy direction from Hong Kong as a bunkering hub, with direct implications for how the port positions itself in the broader energy transition debate. Port dues rebates and registration payments create tangible financial incentives that could influence where vessel operators choose to bunker or register their alternative-fuel tonnage.
For those monitoring green fuel infrastructure development across Asia-Pacific, Hong Kong’s move adds to a growing list of port-level initiatives designed to shift commercial behaviour. The expected volume of over 1,000 alternative-fuel vessel visits speaks to the scale of demand authorities are projecting — a figure that will be worth watching as the scheme matures.
Ship & Bunker also notes that earlier this month, Hong Kong launched a separate initiative to promote the use of mass flow meters in bunkering vessels, suggesting a broader push towards modernising and greening the port’s bunkering ecosystem.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
