Scaling Low‑ and Zero‑Carbon Vessels and Green Fuels: Advancing a Net‑Zero Fleet in Hong Kong and the GBA

Hong Kong and the GBA are entering a crucial phase where low‑ and zero‑carbon vessels and green fuels must move from trials to consistent, day‑to‑day operations. This session focuses on how shipping lines, ports, fuel suppliers and regulators are practically implementing vessel retrofits, shore‑side solutions and green fuel deployment to build a net‑zero fleet in and around Hong Kong.

Speakers will share concrete examples of technology choices, operational adjustments and stakeholder coordination, from integrating shore power and alternative fuels at terminals to retrofitting existing vessels and preparing crews and systems for new operating standards. The discussion will highlight what is working on the ground, what needs to change in processes and infrastructure, and how organisations can prepare for upcoming regulatory and market requirements.

Session Learnings:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe practical pathways for decarbonising existing fleets, including retrofits, operational efficiency measures and integration of low‑carbon fuels.
• Understand the infrastructure, digital systems and operational changes required at ports and terminals to support shore power, green bunkering and new vessel technologies.
• Identify key implementation challenges (technical, operational, regulatory and stakeholder coordination) and proven approaches to overcoming them.
• Recognise the role of standards, certification, crew training and monitoring in ensuring reliable, safe and compliant deployment of new fuels and technologies.
• Outline immediate steps their organisations can take in the next 12–24 months to plan and execute pilots or scale up existing decarbonisation initiatives in Hong Kong and the GBA.

Post-Event Actions:

• Review internal fleet and port operations to identify high‑impact, near‑term decarbonisation measures that can be implemented with existing technologies.
• Engage technical and operational teams to co‑design pilots for retrofits, shore‑side solutions and green fuel use across key routes and terminals.
• Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration among operations, safety, sustainability and regulatory teams to ensure smooth roll‑out of new practices.
• Connect with peers and solution providers from the session to benchmark progress and share implementation playbooks for Hong Kong and the GBA.