SHIPPERS and carriers support Hong Kong plans to be a regional bunkering hub for next-generation ships as methanol and ammonia to lure back lost container volumes, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

The initiative was laid out in the government's action plan on maritime and port development published recently and follows comments by port CEO John Lee at recent industry gatherings

"We will accelerate the promotion of green shipping and turn Hong Kong into a high-quality green fuel bunkering centre to attract more ships to call the port for bunkering and create additional opportunities for cargo handling," action plan says.

"This includes expediting the establishment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering facilities and staying ahead in other green fuel options like green methanol bunkering capacities," the report added.

Mr Lee said the government would soon "kick-start a feasibility study of providing green methanol bunkering for both local and ocean-going vessels."

The study is due to be completed next year and includes the supply of next-generation fuels from China.