Hong Kong Introduces Incentives to Expand Use of Green Maritime Fuels

(Open Gov Asia) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will introduce two incentive schemes aimed at accelerating the maritime sector’s transition towards lower‑carbon fuels. Announced by the Marine Department on 12 June 2026, the initiatives will provide financial incentives for vessels that bunker or operate on green maritime fuels in Hong Kong and for ships using such fuels that are registered locally. The measures form part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a green and competitive international shipping hub.

The two new incentive schemes will take effect on 16 June 2026 and run for three years. They build on commitments outlined in the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering released in November 2024, which aims to support the shipping industry’s decarbonisation while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global maritime centre.

Financial incentives to encourage green maritime fuel use

The first initiative, the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels, provides concessions for ocean-going vessels (OGVs) powered by or bunkering specified green maritime fuels in Hong Kong, as well as vessels carrying such fuels for supply locally. Eligible fuels under the scheme include liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and bio-diesel blended with at least 20% biofuel.

Eligible vessels may apply for reimbursement of port dues paid under the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A). Covered charges include port facilities and light dues, anchorage dues, buoy dues and fees for port clearance permits. Depending on vessel type and operations, the incentive will cover either 25% or 50% of the port dues paid.

Applications must be submitted to the Marine Department within three months after the vessel completes the relevant operations and departs Hong Kong. Approved incentives are expected to be disbursed within around 30 working days.

A spokesman for the Marine Department said the scheme is designed to stimulate early demand for green maritime fuel bunkering services. According to the department, the initiative could attract more than 1,000 visits by green maritime fuel-related vessels over the three-year period.

Encouraging green vessels to join the Hong Kong Shipping Registry

The second initiative, the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme, targets ships that use green maritime fuels as their primary propulsion fuel and are registered with the Hong Kong Shipping Registry (HKSR). Eligible fuels include LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, while conventional fuels and biofuels are excluded.

Under the scheme, each eligible vessel will receive an annual subsidy of HK$60,000 for up to three years. Depending on the timing of registration, vessels may receive one to three years of incentives, with a maximum subsidy of HK$180,000 per vessel.

Applications will generally take about three months to process once all required documents have been submitted. The vessel must remain registered with the HKSR at the time the subsidy is disbursed.

The Marine Department estimates the programme could attract around 100 additional vessels powered by green maritime fuels to the registry. Combined with vessels already registered in Hong Kong, approximately 170 such ships are expected to benefit during the three-year period.

Supporting Hong Kong’s wider maritime strategy

The initiatives align with the International Maritime Organization’s target of achieving net‑zero carbon emissions from international shipping by around 2050. In Hong Kong’s 2026 Budget, the government allocated approximately HK$34 million to support measures that lower the cost of transitioning to green maritime fuels and strengthen the city’s green port capabilities.

Officials view the incentives as part of a broader effort to expand the city’s maritime ecosystem, encouraging participation from bunker suppliers, operators and traders. The approach complements other measures to improve transparency and efficiency in fuel supply, such as the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme, while supporting wider strategies to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global maritime hub, as outlined in recent efforts to strengthen its position as an international shipping centre.

Hong Kong currently leads the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area in bunker volume and ranks second in mainland China and seventh globally. Authorities say expanding green fuel bunkering capabilities will support the development of a high‑quality trading and supply centre for sustainable maritime fuels.