Hong Kong Publishes Green Fuel Bunkering Regulations, Expanding Anchorage Space

Six subsidiary legislation items were released in the Government Gazette to support Hong Kong’s growing green maritime fuel bunkering market. The changes amend Schedule 3 of the Pilotage Ordinance and five other ordinances, including the Immigration, Dangerous Goods, Shipping and Port Control, and Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinances. The amendments will increase sea room for bunkering from 645 ha to 2,877 ha by creating seven new anchorages, redrawing eight existing ones, converting three dangerous‑goods or service anchorages into multipurpose sites, and removing two anchorages. Two traffic separation schemes will be formalised, and a revised fee structure for Government Mooring Buoys will be introduced. The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the reforms will make Hong Kong a more convenient green‑fuel hub. All consulted parties supported the proposals, and the amendments will be sent to LegCo for negative vetting on 7 October.