Hongkong United Dockyards Limited (HUD) has announced its plan to build the first dual fuel (Liquefied Natural Gas-Marine Gas Oil, LNG-MGO) standby vessels, in support of the Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2030+ to reduce carbon intensity.

The two standby vessels — which recently began construction and are the first of their kind to be deployed in Hong Kong — will be designed, equipped, and maintained as seagoing vessels to provide 24x7 services in order to enhance the safety and security of marine operations and carry out rapid evacuations in the event of an emergency.

HUD said in a statement that the vessels are being constructed to support the future operations of the first offshore LNG terminal in Hong Kong.

The vessels are currently under construction by Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd in Zhuhai and of Robert Allan RAStar4200-DF design and are being built pursuant to a long-term charter party and services agreement between HUD and Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited.

"We are committed to offering continued excellent services for our clients and collaborating with our stakeholders for a sustainable future. We are delighted to be the exclusive service provider and operator of the two dual-fuel standby vessels for Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited. By using LNG as opposed to traditional forms of marine fuel, harmful emissions such as particulates, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides will be reduced by 80%, which will help keep skies blue and the air clean in Hong Kong," said Paul Fan, chief executive officer of HUD.

Hongkong Salvage & Towage (HKST), a division of HUD and renowned in the industry for providing multi-disciplinary marine services, will take multiple roles in designing, owning, and operating the vessels.

HUD noted that to support round-the-clock operation, HKST will link the vessel's surveillance system with its Control Centre which connects to real-time marine traffic and weather conditions to allow for better safety precautions, ensure efficient control and provide immediate response and assistance.

In response to the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+ Report and in support of the increased use of natural gas for power generation in Hong Kong, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) and The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd (HK Electric) is currently constructing an offshore liquefied natural gas terminal, which will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

Other disciplines include marine transportation project management and chartering of ocean-going tugs.