Maritime Industry Briefing: LNG Bunkering, Ship Recycling, and Tanker Orders

## LNG Bunkering Milestone in Hong Kong Hong Kong has reached a new milestone in the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, with the completion of the territory's first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation for a very large crude carrier (VLCC). The operation saw the VLCC 'Maran Dione' receive 4,700 cbm (about 2,101 mt) of LNG at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage, according to Hellenic Shipping News. This development represents an important step forward for LNG bunkering infrastructure in Asia, as shipowners increasingly look to adopt cleaner-burning fuels to meet emissions regulations. The successful bunkering was carried out by Hong Kong-based energy company CLPe and CNOOC (Shenzhen) International Marine Clean Energy. ## EU Calls for Stronger Ship Recycling Capacity The European Commission has published its new Industrial Maritime Strategy, which acknowledges the need to strengthen the EU's ship recycling sector. However, according to The Maritime Executive, the strategy 'lacks actionable measures and a true level playing field' to back up this commitment. The EU has long sought to promote sustainable ship recycling practices, but the strategy document does not outline specific funding or policy proposals to boost domestic capacity. Industry groups have called for the Commission to follow through with concrete steps to support EU-based recyclers and create a more equitable global market. ## Major Tanker Order in Greece In other news, South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Samho has secured a $179 million order to build two 157,000 DWT oil tankers for a Greek shipping company, reports Hellenic Shipping News. The deal, worth 263.2 billion won, will see the tankers delivered by May 2029. This order represents a significant vote of confidence in the shipbuilding capabilities of HD Hyundai Samho and the continued strength of the Greek shipping sector, one of the world's largest. Overall, this maritime industry briefing highlights the diverse range of developments impacting the global shipping industry - from the adoption of alternative fuels, to regulatory changes, to newbuild investment. Stakeholders will need to stay informed on these evolving trends to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.