1What are the procedures for applying for a Local Certificate of Ownership (COO) and an Operating Licence (OL) for an alternative fuel bunkering vessel?

In general, the following steps are involved in the application for a COO and an OL for a local vessel:

  • Apply for an Approval-in-Principle Letter (AIP Letter) to the Central Marine Office;
    (Please refer to the Guidance Notes attached to Form MD 521 for the documents required for the AIP Letter application.)
  • Apply for approval of plans and survey at the Local Vessels Safety Section of MD after receipt of the AIP Letter; and
  • Apply for COO and OL after the vessel's plans have been approved and the survey has been completed. Please refer to the Guidance Notes attached to Form MD 517 for the documents required for the COO and OL applications.

In addition, applicants are also required to submit other documents specified in the "Code of Practice - Safety and Operational Guidelines for Bunkering of Alternative Fuels". For details, please refer to the relevant Operational Guidelines。

2What is the eligibility for being an owner on the COO of an alternative fuel bunkering vessel?
The owner of a local vessel shall be an individual who holds a valid identity card and who is ordinarily resident in Hong Kong; or a company or registered non-Hong Kong company as defined by Section 2(1) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
3What are the application fees for a local COO and an OL of an alternative fuel bunkering vessel?

The application for an AIP Letter is free of charge. The application for a COO is free of charge, whereas the application for an OL is subject to the licence fee payable as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Fees) Regulation. For details, please refer to the Fees Tables for Operating Licence / Permission for Laid-up Vessel。

4Is a typhoon mooring arrangement required when applying for a local COO and an OL of an alternative fuel bunkering vessel?

Applicants for alternative fuel bunkering vessel are not required to provide a typhoon mooring arrangement when applying for an AIP Letter. However, a typhoon mooring arrangement to the satisfaction of the Director of Marine is required before applying for a COO and an OL.

5What are the key elements that shall be included in the risk assessment submitted for a first-time bunkering of alternative fuels?

The risk assessment shall include the following elements:

  1. Operational Overview
    • Describe the nature, scope and location of the bunkering operation.
    • Specify the type of alternative fuel to be used (e.g. hydrogen, natural gas, etc.).
  2. Risk Assessment
    • Assess the likelihood and potential consequences of each risk.
    • Use quantitative or qualitative methods to classify risks in accordance with the Code of Practice.
  3. Risk Control Measures
    • Develop specific measures to reduce or eliminate risks, such as using safety equipment and establishing emergency plans.
    • Explain the effectiveness and feasibility of these measures.
  4. Emergency Response Plan
    • Formulate a detailed emergency plan, including incident reporting procedures and personnel response actions.
    • Ensure that all involved personnel are familiar with the emergency plan.