China will build its first LNG bunkering center for international vessels in the city of Shenzhen as part of a deal signed on Wednesday.
The project is a joint effort by Yantian Port Group, state-owned energy giant PetroChina, and city gas supplier Shenzhen Gas.
According to a statement by Yantian Port, the trio signed a cooperation framework deal with the Yantian district government to build the center.
The project will be built in stages. It will use 8000-10000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessels to supply chilled fuel to customers including large container ships.
The first phase of the bunkering hub will have a yearly capacity of 230,000 tonnes per year.
The aim is to expand it to two million tonnes per annum, the statement said.
One of the main goals of the project is to attract more international LNG-fuelled vessels to berth at Chinese ports.
Furthermore, the project will promote green shipping in the country as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.