Hong Kong’s first LNG import project, which includes the world’s largest FSRU, is expected to start operations in the middle of next year, according to the developer HK Electric.
“The offshore LNG terminal currently under construction is scheduled for commissioning in mid-2022,” the power utility said in a statement.
Besides HK Electric, the joint venture behind the Hong Kong offshore LNG terminal includes Castle Peak Power (Capco) as well.
The project forms part of Hong Kong’s initiative to reduce emissions. The city and special administrative region of China aims to replace about half of its power generation fuel with natural gas.
Regasified LNG coming from the 263,000-cbm MOL FSRU Challenger will supply two power plants via subsea pipelines.
These include the Black Point power station located in the New Territories and Lamma power station located at Lamma Island.
Also, Shell will supply LNG as part of a long-term deal signed with the two utilities in 2019.
World’s largest FSRU
The 345 meters long MOL FSRU Challenger has earlier this year departed Turkey’s Dortyol facility in the southern province of Hatay after serving the terminal for about three years.
After that, the vessel visited Cheniere’s Sabine Pass plant, becoming the largest LNG vessel ever to load in the US.
Its AIS data on Thursday shows that it left the Strait of Gibraltar on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. It remains unclear when the FSRU would arrive in Hong Kong.
MOL entered into a long-term charter for the FSRU back in 2019. Besides signing the contract with HK Electric and Capco, the Japanese firm also joined forces with Dutch Vopak for the development of the project’s double berth jetty and maintenance services.
Japan’s shipping giant previously said that the offshore LNG terminal project should start operations by the end of this year. However, the project has been delayed.
Following its arrival at the new jetty in Hong Kong, the FSRU will undergo testing prior to the official launch.
