Wah Kwong NatPower partners with AREL to support Hong Kong's marine electrification

Wah Kwong NatPower and Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises Limited (AREL) in late September signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the electrification of piers, vessels and supporting energy infrastructure in the Aberdeen area of Hong Kong. 

Against the backdrop of the HKSAR Government’s latest policy direction to advance green shipping, smart port development and shore power infrastructure, WK NatPower and AREL will explore the development of an integrated marine electrification ecosystem in the Aberdeen and Shum Wan areas. The collaboration will examine opportunities to deploy shore power facilities, vessel charging infrastructure and battery energy storage solutions, alongside the development of electric vessels for future transport and tourism services.

The initiative supports Hong Kong in becoming a leading hub for sustainable maritime innovation, say the companies, while contributing to the revitalisation of one of the city's most iconic waterfront communities.

As an initial phase of the collaboration, the two parties will explore the opportunity for the construction of a series of electric vessels and transport vessels. The initiative will also examine the potential deployment of the ApliAber® electric vessel fleet as a new benchmark for sustainable waterfront mobility and hospitality experiences in Hong Kong.

Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower, said: "This MoU marks an important step in supporting Hong Kong's marine energy transition. Aberdeen has long been an iconic part of Hong Kong's maritime heritage, and we are delighted to explore opportunities to develop integrated shore power and vessel electrification solutions that can support a cleaner and more sustainable future for the harbour."

Wong Tai Yu, Director of AREL, said: “Through this collaboration, we look forward to exploring practical ways to introduce cleaner energy, electric vessels and sustainable waterfront experiences, while supporting the revitalization of Jumbo Kingdom® for future generations.”

Floating restaurants used to be rife in Hong Kong's Aberdeen Harbor, with none larger or more iconic than Jumbo Kingdom, designed by casino magnate Stanley Ho in the 1970s. The lavish Chinese wonderland-cum-eatery was a ‘must-do’ experience for first-time visitors to the city, with even Queen Elizabeth II gracing the venue with her presence. The restaurant closed its doors more than a decade ago, however, and the vessel itself capsized and sank while on tow to new destination in southeast Asia in 2022.

Earlier this year, Wah Kwong NatPower also signed  a MoU with Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises, a subsidiary of Guangdong Provincial Port & Shipping Group, to establish a cooperative framework for advancing industries related to the electrification of Hong Kong’s waterborne transport.