July 22, 2025
Authorities in Shenzhen and Hong Kong have jointly issued new safety guidelines for methanol bunkering as part of ongoing efforts to promote green fuel use and harmonize maritime regulations across the Greater Bay Area.
Released on 1 July, with support from Hong Kong’s Marine Department, the Guidelines for Safety Verification of Methanol Bunkering Operations in Shenzhen and Hong Kong were developed by the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration and the Qianhai Authority.
As reported, the guidelines outline procedures for pre-bunkering checks, emergency responses and communication between vessels, establishing specific operating standards for the safe operation of methanol bunkering in Hong Kong and Shenzhen waters.
Furthermore, these unified standards will help avoid the burden on ships of adapting to differing regulations or switching operating procedures when traveling between the two jurisdictions.
To remind, on 30 June the Hong Kong Marine Department also announced the launch of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to facilitate the development of Hong Kong into an alternative fuel bunkering centre.
