On the afternoon of June 2, the LNG bunkering vessels " Xin Ao Pu Tuo" and "Haiyang Shiyou 301" successfully bunkered ZIM Coral deployed on the U.S. East Coast service of ZIM, and Damietta Express, which is under Hapag-Lloyd, the world's largest 24,000 TEU dual-fuel container vessel. This milestone marks the first instance in China where two vessels serving international services have simultaneously completed LNG bunkering operations at a single terminal.

As early as 2022, YANTIAN had already achieved the first LNG bunkering of an internationally navigating vessel in Shenzhen, thereby becoming the fourth in the world and the first in South China to possess the capability to provide LNG bunkering services. The synchronised LNG bunkering operations for two vessels represent a pioneering feat within the nation. This underscores that YANTIAN not only delivers efficient operational services but also furnishes high-quality fuel supply services. It further solidifies our position as the preferred port of call for mega-vessels in South China and signals the nascent establishment of an LNG bunkering centre in East Asia.

From January to May 2024, YANTIAN’s LNG bunkering volume has already exceeded the total for the entire year of 2023. With strong support and guidance from government departments, customs, maritime authority, and pilotage authority, we mobilised a professional team to fully collaborate with the bunkering company's operational plans. This ensured comprehensive safety measures throughout the bunkering process, facilitating the seamless execution of dual-vessel bunkering operations and high operational efficiency within the port area.

Today, the provision of clean and sustainable energy to vessels is not just a trend but a standard service at YANTIAN. On the evening of June 2, we  proudly welcomed the Ane Maersk, the world's first large methanol-powered container vessel, which embarked on its inaugural voyage at YANTIAN before. 

Furthermore, on the same day, we provided shore power services to four mega-vessels. Leading the charge as the first port in China to extensively adopt shore power technology, YANTIAN boasts the highest shore power supply volume and the most berths equipped with shore power among container terminals nationwide. In 2023, YANTIAN set a groundbreaking record for shore power supply, resulting in a reduction of vessel carbon emissions by nearly 9,700 tons, equivalent to planting approximately 540,000 trees.

In April this year, YANTIAN achieved yet another milestone by setting a new monthly record for shore power connections, surpassing 100 vessels for the first time and providing 2 million kWh of electricity. From January to April, the number of vessels served with shore power at YANTIAN was twice that of the same period last year.

The provision of diverse clean and green energy sources to vessels aligns with the decarbonisation and emission reduction trends in the shipping industry, supporting the national dual-carbon strategy. This will significantly advance the high-quality development of Shenzhen's green fuel industry.

Moving forward, YANTIAN will persist in elevating the port digitisation, intelligence, and environmental sustainability, embracing new quality productive forces to establish a more advanced international shipping hub. We remain steadfast in our commitment to contributing to the establishment of a green port and the preservation of clear waters and blue skies. Moreover, we will continue collaborating with various stakeholders to explore and promote LNG bunkering services for vessels traveling from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, addressing the gap in LNG bunkering capability in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to attract LNG-fueled container vessels and cruise vessels to dock at Hong Kong, thereby strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international shipping centre. Together, these endeavors will enhance the international competitiveness of the Greater Bay Area and bolster the high-quality development of the international trade in China.