By
Alice Chambers |
Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WCT), manager and operator of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, received the results of its preliminary study on the feasibility of providing liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering facilities for ships at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
The preliminary study was conducted by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BV Solutions) and showed that it would be easy to conduct ship-to-ship LNG bunkering simultaneously with passenger operations at the terminal.
The study assessed the viability of the project using industry gas dispersal models and representative scenarios based on LNG-fuelled cruise ships and LNG bunkering vessels that are currently used elsewhere.
“We are proud to support the Hong Kong Government’s Clean Air 2035 and Climate Action 2050 Plans, which indicate that the HKSAR government intends to pursue LNG bunkering for ocean-going vessels as a means to greatly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jeff Bent, managing director for WCT. “With this study, we establish that the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is a suitable facility for ship-to-ship LNG bunkering to take place, simultaneously with standard passenger operations, for the rapidly growing number of LNG-powered cruise ships.
“Many leading ports have commenced LNG bunkering, and we look forward to joining their ranks. We stand by to assist regulators to craft detailed policies and procedures for an earlier commencement of the use of this fuel.”
“The LNG industry has an excellent safety record, which thankfully is being replicated across the maritime industry with the increasing use of natural gas as a marine fuel,” said Huw Coffin, general manager at BV Solutions and lead researcher for the study.
The switch from traditional fuel oil to LNG will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 20 per cent with nitrogen oxide emissions reduced by up to 80 per cent.
“LNG continues to be the most viable alternative fuel for the foreseeable future which is reflected in the newbuilding order book with 30 per cent of the tonnage in GT terms due to be installed with LNG capable engines” said Coffin. “This includes 29 cruise ships equating to circa 50 per cent of the cruise ship capacity on order. The introduction of LNG bunkering in Hong Kong would support Hong Kong’s Clean Air Plan and also increase the attractiveness of the port by expanding bunkering services to the rapidly increasing LNG-fuelled fleet.”
WCT will now determine how to bring LNG bunkering to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which will help Hong Kong achieve its clean air and carbon neutrality goals.